By: Kristina Johnston
Over the past few years, through A Race Against Blindness, I've had the privilege of meeting some incredible fathers. "Incredible" actually feels like an understatement.
Fathers who spend their days working, researching, advocating, fixing, coaching, encouraging, and carrying responsibilities most people never see. Fathers who navigate diagnoses, uncertainty, appointments, and setbacks while continuing to show up for their families every single day.
And while dads don't always receive the same recognition, their impact is impossible to miss.
I've seen it firsthand.
I've watched Luke's dad spend years fighting alongside me for our son, and I've met countless fathers in this community doing the same for their own families. Many do it quietly, without recognition or attention, simply because that's what love requires.
This Father's Day, I wanted to do something small.
Not a fundraiser. Just a thank you.
I've put together a Father's Day gift basket filled with some of my favorite finds, including a YETI cooler, camping chair, coffee, grilling tools, and a few other things I thought a dad might genuinely enjoy. If the winner prefers, they can also choose a $500 gift card to Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Bass Pro Shops, or Scheels instead.
Anyone is welcome to enter—whether it's for yourself or for a father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, or father figure in your life.
There will also be a space to tell us about a dad who inspires you.
After reading hundreds of responses during our Mother's Day giveaway, I can honestly say those stories became my favorite part of the entire experience. I'd love to hear about the dads, too. Please share!
We'll keep this open through June 21 at 11:59 PM MST.
More than anything, I just want to say thank you to the dads who keep showing up, keep carrying the load, and keep loving their families through every season.
You matter, and we appreciate you.
With love and so much gratitude,
Kristina, Luke & Tyler's Mum
PS. As a small extra thank you, we’re also offering 10 free entries into any of our active fundraisers using code FATHER10 at checkout. Valid thru 6/21/26. 💛
35 comments
“Clean livin,” my Dad would say. That was my Dad’s answer to me whenever I would ask him how he would catch the biggest fish, the most fish, or whenever good luck came his way. My father taught by example. Such an honorable and honest man. I’m walking in his footsteps, but I’ll never be able to fill his shoes. He always gave more than he got. My mom was the same way. I miss you both so much.
I just wanted to thank all the men who’ve stepped up and became a father figure, a mentor, a coach, and an inspiration to the children who’s fathers were absent. Your commitment, and time spent guiding these young ones will build self-worth, and confidence. Your time and guidance will not be forgotten. These kids will always remember those who believed in them….and do same.
I know this because, I was one.
Anybody can be a father but it takes someone special to step up and take care of someone elses child. STEP FATHERS ARE AWESOME!
My brother lost both parents before he turned 21. Our mom died in a horrific accident that forever scarred our family. Five years later, we lost our dad too.
With no parents left, we had to raise ourselves and lean on each other. He carried more than his share.
He fought his way back from a mental health crisis while raising his 3-year-old daughter, and had back surgery two weeks ago from an injury he’d pushed through for years.
He’s still standing. Still working. Just got promoted to supervisor.
He built this life from nothing, with me by his side. That’s my favorite dad.