It all started with a routine eye exam in 2008.
Debbie Gray, then living in a small town near Midland, was preparing for LASIK surgery when her pre-operative exam revealed an unexpected diagnosis: retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A rare inherited retina disease, RP affects low light and peripheral vision, among other aspects of sight, with varying degrees of progression over time. There is no cure.
“I think I was the only patient he had ever seen with RP,” she said, recalling her doctor’s surprise.
After receiving a referral to the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Debbie and her husband, Steve, traveled to Dallas. There, they each felt an immediate bond with the “friendly and tight-knit” group within this local organization with a global reputation for advanced research in retinal diseases and disorders.
“There aren’t very many places like it,” said Steve, whose father also lives with an inherited retina disease: age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “It’s a small fellowship of doctors that specialize in this type of medicine, but their work has far-reaching effects.”
In the months to follow, Debbie would participate in a clinical study and begin a regimen of regular check-ups at the Retina Foundation. As the Grays’ relationship with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit grew, the birth of a grandchild prompted them to relocate from West Texas to Preston Hollow. Life moved forward, as it always will, and this February the family announced a unique, future-focused gift to the foundation that will benefit many generations to come.
The Debbie and Steve Gray Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRD) Chair was established this year with a $2.5 million endowment. The first endowment of its kind in Dallas, this pledge will enable the Retina Foundation to recruit top global talent while advancing its research into new treatments and potential cures.
The first endowed chair will be held by Dr. Mark Pennesi, MD/PhD, FARVO, and Chief Medical Officer at the Retina Foundation. Dr. Pennesi has served as the lead investigator for 27 first-in-human clinical trials for IRDs, and is the recipient of The Macula Society’s 2025 Young Investigator Award. He leads the Retina Foundation’s first laboratory and clinic dedicated to IRDs, which has already served more than 1,000 patients.
“This gift will be integral in accelerating new solutions and treatments,” Dr. Pennesi said. “It will help us push the boundaries of discovery and bring hope backed by science to patients and families.”
The Grays recently attended a formal presentation of their gift during a meeting of the Retina Foundation’s Rods & Cones support society. Surrounded by staff, friends, family, and fellow patients, Debbie reflected on the lasting impact of her own unexpected journey.
“I don’t want to see any of my children or grandchildren struggle with RP as I have,” she said. “I’m hopeful there’s a cure out there, and my wish is that this support will bring together and equip the right team to find it. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about our family. It’s about the many people around the world impacted by rare IRDs.”
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