When passionate runner Laine Fischer was diagnosed with vision loss, husband Pat promised he’d be her guide runner. This year, they’re running the London marathon for Fight for Sight.
Laine was not expecting to hear the news she heard that day: “I never thought in a million years that I might go blind. You think about all these things that could happen to you in your lifetime. You think heart attacks, you think cancer, you think all these big things like that, but [losing my sight] didn't even cross my mind. So, I was just a complete mess when I heard, and I said to Pat: ‘I don't know how we're going to be able to do this or how we're going to be able to see the world or run’”
“Pat held me while I was losing it and said: ‘Are you crazy? I'm going to tether to you, I’ll be your guide runner.’” So says Laine Fischer, recalling the moment she learned she had age-related macular degeneration following a routine eye test.
This year (2025), US-based Pat and Laine are travelling to run the iconic London marathon in aid of Fight for Sight. The couple have run numerous marathons worldwide, including the world majors. London Marathon will be Pat’s qualifying marathon to receive the Six Star medal (an honour bestowed to people who complete all original six major marathons).
Running towards a brighter future
Laine and Pat from Chicago, USA, are enthusiastically raising vital funds for eye research. “Fight for Sight does everything I was looking for; I wanted an organisation that supports people of all ages and any condition.”
When Laine came across Fight for Sight, she signed up for one of the charity places, but this was in 2024 with just a few weeks to go before that year’s event: “I’m not one to throw a marathon into the loop, I need at least six months to train, but Ruth (community and events officer) got me all signed up for 2025. And then she asked if Pat wanted to run too!”
Pat said: “Our youngest daughter has autism, and so we decided that Laine would run for a charity which directly impacts her experience with vision loss, and I’d research a charity which supports people with autism. But when Laine told Ruth our story, Ruth asked if I’d want to run for Fight for Sight as well, and we didn’t hesitate to say yes!”
“We were thrilled out of our minds”, Laine says, giving a glimpse into the feelings of joy and excitement they felt that day, “we were dancing around the room for a month!”
Ruth is equally delighted to have them both join Team Fight for Sight: "After speaking to Laine and hearing her story and her absolute passion for running, there was no hesitation about inviting her and Pat to our team for 2025. I think anyone hearing such a story of love and determination would be moved and I was absolutely right - not only are they super committed to their training but they both have smashed their fundraising targets well ahead of schedule too and constantly share words of encouragement to the rest of our running team!"
Treatment plan
Laine is on a treatment plan, called AREDS2, which involves taking daily vitamins. "I get tested yearly to analyse if the vitamin levels in the back of my eyes, Zeaxanthin and Lutein to be specific, have increased to help prevent damage. Each year since starting (my initial test was when I turned 40) they have increased by at least 10%, which is the doctor’s goals! I thank God I took that [eye] test that day and they caught it so early."
"I was also put in touch with a dietician to reduce my inflammation as much as possible. And they have me wearing sunglass/eye protective gear all of the time when outside."
“Pat held me while I was losing it and said: ‘Are you crazy? I'm going to tether to you, I’ll be your guide runner'."
Fun and fundraising
Laine and Pat have already completed their joint £4,000 target by dreaming up some fun ways to raise money, including a bingo game, scratch cards (where everyone’s a winner), and a letter workout.
“Every letter of the alphabet is a different workout. Friends and family choose letters (and donate $2 or more per letter) and spell out names and words. Still, even our son, Ryder who’s 16, would choose the most brutal combination of letters.” Their daughter chose a different way to support her parents, by purchasing chocolate bars from Costco and reselling them to friends and neighbours: “she raised like $6/700 from that!”
The couple fly in exclusively to run the marathon, but friends and family will support them from afar using the live tracker.
London landmarks
When asked what they looked forward to most on the day, Pat said: “Other than the Six Star medal, there was the uninterrupted time with Laine. And seeing Tower Bridge!”
The love and support Laine and Pat have from friends and family, and for each other, is palpable. We’re delighted that they have chosen Fight for Sight to raise money for and achieve the phenomenal accolade of the Six Star major marathon medal.
We wish them the best of luck and a fabulous whistle-stop visit to London. If you’d like to show your appreciation for this vibrant couple, you can support them on their Just Giving page.
Musical motivation
Laine: “I’m a big user of my phone when I run. On the day, you’ll find me speaking to my mom or children. I’ll even take work calls! But I usually pop in my earphones when I hit a wall around the 19-23 mile mark. That’s when I turn on the 90s and 2000s pop hits. I need that beat.”
Pat: “I listen to just about anything when I run outside, but on the treadmill, I watch old TV shows like Burn Notice. Otherwise, I like to soak in the crowds and listen to Laine chatting on the phone.”
-
- 600,000
- in the UK have sight loss caused by age-related macular degeneration. This number is expected to more than double by 2050.
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