A Melbourne-based charity with a powerful personal mission has received vital support thanks to the Milford Community Connection Program.
Silent Sight Foundation, which funds research into curing blindness caused by Usher Syndrome, was awarded a grant to help advance its life-changing work. The rare genetic condition causes deafness, balance challenges, and progressive vision loss that eventually leads to complete blindness. For founder Stephen Simone, the fight is deeply personal, because both his young sons live with the condition.
A Personal Cause, Shared Support
The grant application came as a surprise to Stephen, submitted quietly by someone who deeply understood the cause: fellow parent and financial adviser Damian Liddell from Contrarian Group Financial Planning. Damian’s own son has Usher Syndrome, and while he hadn’t yet connected directly with Silent Sight, he had followed their progress online and saw an opportunity to help.
Stephen was both surprised and deeply moved to learn of the grant.
“To see that there was another family out there willing to go out of their way to apply for this grant and pass it through to us just meant the world,” he says. “It gave us a huge motivational push to know we weren’t alone.”
Funding Hope, Fuelling Research
The grant from Milford is being directed toward medical research focused specifically on curing the blindness caused by Usher Syndrome. It will also help fund future fundraising efforts, which are critical to sustaining and growing the foundation’s mission.
Stephen explains that the goal is simple but powerful: to give children like his, and many others around the world, the chance to live a full, free, and independent life. “Should we achieve our mission, it will provide our children the opportunity to be contributors to society and live without limitations.”
Not Seen or Heard – Until Now
The name Silent Sight holds meaning on multiple levels. Beyond the condition’s impact on hearing and vision, Stephen says it also reflects the social invisibility often faced by families living with rare diseases. “Usher Syndrome is a rare condition, and those impacted are not seen or heard,” he says.
That’s why support from programs like Milford’s means so much. “Outside of the generous donation, the Milford Community Connection Program allows organisations like ours to finally be seen and heard where it otherwise may not be the case.”
Damian agrees. “It must be so hard for Stephen as a parent and someone running a small charity that’s competing for funds against so many other worthy causes. I’m pleased the grant from Milford provides him with a bit of nourishment to continue the fight.”
Looking Ahead Together
Stephen sees the Milford grant as more than just a financial boost. It’s validation that the work Silent Sight is doing matters, and that others believe in its mission.
“It amplifies that validation for us and our donors,” he says. “I hope this is just the beginning of a longer relationship.”
He’s also hopeful that Milford’s support might open doors to wider networks, including other partners, investors or organisations that may be moved by the Silent Sight story. “We would love the opportunity to connect with anyone in Milford’s community who shares our vision.”
About Silent Sight Foundation
Founded in Melbourne and operating nationally, Silent Sight Foundation is dedicated to curing the blindness caused by Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes deafness, balance dysfunction and progressive vision loss. The foundation was created by Stephen Simone, whose two sons live with the condition. With a focus on medical research and advocacy, Silent Sight aims to ensure families impacted by Usher Syndrome are no longer left unseen or unheard.
