West Chicago Teen With Vision Loss Wants To See The World

WEST CHICAGO, IL — Josh Bangert has never seen the ocean, a desert or a mountain range. After all, he's only 15. Like all teens, Bangert wants to experience as much of the world as he can, but unlike other teens, he's losing his vision rapidly. Bangert told went in for a routine eye exam when he was told it would be just months — maybe even just weeks — before he was completely blind.

Boosted by the unflagging support of his parents and seven siblings, Bangert wants to see the world, as much of the world as he can, while he still has the vision to take it all in.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by Bangert's family, the teen was diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, or Leber's disease, a degenerative condition that ultimately leads to blindness. People with Leber's disease often lose vision in one eye and then the other shortly after. The fast-moving condition has already caused significant vision loss in Bangert's left eye in just 12 weeks.

His family recognizes that he is on "borrowed time" and that he may not be able to see everything he wants to before his vision fails him completely. In addition to seeing the "marvels of the world," Bangert's vision bucket list includes snorkeling, visiting Niagara Falls, going to a Chicago Bulls game, jet skiing, and seeing the northern lights.

Things it can seem so easy to take for granted when your sight isn't compromised.

Bangert's GoFundMe page says the family has been relying on the camaraderie of friends and family, along with their faith in God to help the teen realize his dreams as quickly as possible.

Click the link if you'd like to donate to the Josh Bangert GoFundMe. The family also says that prayers and getting the word out will benefit Bangert in the long run.

They added, "Josh wants so badly to share the remaining time of his sight with his family, even as the marvels of the world call out and the time with his vision shrinks."

Image via GoFundMe; Patch is a GoFundMe partner