Hope in Motion

My name is Sean Scullin, and I’m a father, teacher, and adventurer living in Chengdu, China, with my wife and our son, Lionel.

Lionel was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative retinal condition called CRB1-related Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) when he was very young. Today, he has only a small amount of functional vision, which makes many everyday activities more challenging. He struggles with depth perception, tracking moving objects, and seeing in low light. He uses a white cane and is learning Braille to help him become more independent.

But Lionel is also an adventurous kid who loves science, soccer, camping, and exploring the world. His eyesight may limit how he experiences some things, but it doesn't define who he is or what he can accomplish.

That belief inspired Hope in Motion, our father-son effort to raise awareness and funds for people with visual impairments. Together, we’ve taken on challenges ranging from running a marathon with Lionel in a stroller to biking hundreds of miles across Iowa, paddling in the Boundary Waters, and hiking Michigan’s Pictured Rocks and North Country Trail.

These adventures aren't always easy. We have to adapt, work together, and sometimes push through some pretty miserable moments. But they remind us that a meaningful life isn't about having perfect circumstances. It's about finding a way forward, embracing new experiences, and helping others along the way.

Why the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota?

The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota (NFBMN) works to ensure that blind and low-vision people have the resources, skills, confidence, and opportunities to live the lives they want. Through advocacy, education, scholarships, and support for individuals and families, the organization helps challenge misconceptions about blindness and promote independence.

Through the NFB, I now know how important it is for children like Lionel to have access to positive role models, practical skills, and a community that understands their experiences. Learning Braille, using a cane, and developing independence are not simply ways to compensate for vision loss. They are tools that open doors to a bigger world.

We’re raising funds to support the work of NFBMN and help create more opportunities for blind and low-vision people to learn, grow, and pursue their ambitions.

Our hope is simple, to help build a world where limited eyesight doesn't mean limited opportunities.

Thank you for supporting Lionel and me on this journey. Every contribution helps put hope into motion.