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Enjoying the fireworks while blind: Charity event helps fight against blindness

160 views · Published 8 September 2017 · 2:51 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2017 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Local 12 is excited to bring you the Western and Southern / WEBN Fireworks live again this year, coming up on Sunday.

Zach Chadwick and Stephanie Nagel started a few years ago when others began hosting Riverfest parties to benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

It's the time of year the foundation prepares for its own charity event: A VisionWalk.

Zach's mom, Robin, started the first walk in the Tri-State 12 years ago when he was a child showing signs of vision loss.

“I have really vivid memories to this day, something I hold near and dear to me,” said Zach.

Zach's vision issues have progressed and last year, just days before RiverFest, he had an eye removed.

“That was a really difficult year for me,” said Zach.

But despite that difficult time, he wanted to join everyone for the fireworks. Zach and his girlfriend inspired many people that day.

“It's always kind of interesting because he enjoys it so much, and the first time I was like 'Can you see the fireworks?' He was always like you get to hang out with friends and I can still hear them,” said Stephanie.

“As an adult I came to really appreciate how they can sync the explosions with music. The coolest thing ever. Anyone can appreciate that because it's explosions,” said Zach.

With each passing year, Stephanie May have to be a little more descriptive in helping Zach visualize the fireworks.

“I will sometimes describe it's over there. A little more interactive watching with Zach for sure,” said Stephanie.

“The big ones rattle your ears and make you shake,” said Zach.

The big ones also make it worthwhile.

“Well it's great to be surrounded by people who love you and have watched you grow,” said Zach.

As Zach has grown, so have the walks. They are now bringing in more than a million dollars.

This Sunday, Zach and Stephanie will again remind us to enjoy what you can.

“It's always worth coming out,” said Zach.

As they look to the sky, they reflect on what's hopefully been a better year. Stephanie just completed her first year of teaching at Scott High School. Zach's busy fixing up a new house, and they just got engaged.

Local 12's fireworks coverage starts just after 9 p.m. on Sunday night.

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