Be Part of Our Community
Run, Walk or Bike!
If you are a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or just want to make your way across the finish line of your first 5k – joining Team CHM is a perfect way to raise money to end vision loss caused by CHM. You can be a part of Team CHM where ever you live, in any athletic event you choose.
Questions? Just send us an email We can help you identify local events to participate in, register (discount codes may be available), and help you set up a personal fundraising page. Everyone who conducts a fundraiser for CRF receives a complimentary Team CHM t-shirt! Or, if you are ready to start fundraising, you can Join Team CHM Now.
Host a Fundraiser
Starting your own online fundraising page offers you a quick and simple way to rally your friends and family to support the mission of the Choroideremia Research Foundation. Past fundraisers have held bake sales, trivia nights, Dining in the Dark, banquets with silent auctions, and virtual events!
Creating an online fundraising page is now easier than ever!
Want more tips on running an event? View our Fundraising Toolkit
CRF Membership
The Choroideremia Research Foundation is a member-based organization. Membership is open to any interested person. Membership is by household and covers all adult (18+) members of your household.
Please join us today – we will keep you informed of recent updates in research and other news related to CHM. Information shared with us is confidential.
CRF Membership Levels
FREE Membership (requires annual renewal): Benefits include: membership voting privileges; annual conference call; and quarterly newsletter with weekly e-newsletters and annual report (mail or email option). Become a FREE Member by clicking here.
Standard Membership (requires annual renewal): membership is $60 annually and benefits include: membership voting privileges; annual conference call; quarterly newsletter with weekly e-newsletters and annual report (mail or email option); recognition on CRF’s website, social media and annual report; and 25% off merchandise and conference. Become a Standard Member by clicking here.
Standard Membership (automatic renewal): membership is $5 a month and membership automatically renews on a month-to-month basis. Benefits include: membership voting privileges; annual conference call; quarterly newsletter with weekly e-newsletters and annual report (mail or email option); recognition on CRF’s website, social media and annual report; and 25% off merchandise and conference. Become a Recurring Standard Member by clicking here.
Lifetime Membership*: membership is a one-time cost of $600. Benefits include: membership voting privileges; annual conference call; quarterly newsletter with weekly e-newsletters and annual report (mail or email option); recognition on CRF’s website, social media and annual report; 25% off merchandise and conference; annual personal letter or call from key staff or board member; invitation to networking events** at regional meetings and conferences including CRF Board, CRF Scientific Advisory Board, and researchers meetings. Become a Lifetime Member by clicking here.
* Existing Lifetime Members will receive the new benefits of that level & require no further action.
** Individuals may also qualify to attend networking events by serving as a volunteer with, or fundraiser for, CRF.
Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Choroideremia Research Foundation.
C.A.R.S. Program
Volunteers in the Contact A Retinal Specialist (C.A.R.S.) program make personal visits and distribute literature to local medical professionals to increase awareness of CHM. Contact Cory MacDonald by email or at 800-210-0233 ext. 1.
Fundraiser
Fundraisers organize activities to raise money either online or in local communities. Event coordinators will also help distribute educational material and raise awareness of CRF’s work, goals and financial needs. Contact Kathi Wagner by email or at 800-210-0233 ext. 5.
Leadership Committees
Several different committees, comprised of both board members and non-board members, work to support the strategic plan and mission of CRF. Skills sought include:
- Publications and Communications – marketing, graphic design, video production and social media
- Audit/Finance – budgeting, investments, nonprofit accounting
- Conference – project management, organizational skills, decorating, administrative
- Patient Engagement – advocacy, social work, nursing, accessibility, accommodations
- Fundraising – sales, good phone and email skills, and a sparkling personality!
- Research – experience in healthcare, data analytics, and science
Contact Kathi Wagner by email or at 800-210-0233 ext. 5.
Data Entry
Add and update contact information for researchers, doctors and members in CRF’s customer relationship management (CRM) database. Solid typing and internet searching skills required. Experience with word processing and spreadsheets helpful. Training provided. Contact Kathi Wagner by email or at 800-210-0233 ext. 5.
Conference Assistance
CRF regularly hosts conferences and regional meetings throughout the US and internationally. Volunteers are needed on site to guide patients, stuff welcome bags, set-up, break-down and a variety of other tasks. Interested volunteers should contact Beth Foss by email or at 800-210-0211 ext. 3.
Receive the Latest
News & Updates
Upcoming CRF Events
Click link to view all CRF Events on Facebook
What’s NEW?
DR. CYNTHIA QIAN RECEIVES 2nd ANNUAL CRF RANDY WHEELOCK RESEARCH AWARD
September 27, 2021, 16:50 GMT — Dr. Cynthia Qian, 2021 CRF Randy Wheelock Research Award Winner. Choroideremia Research Foundation supports exploratory research into the effects of choroideremia on females. The CRF is excited to support [...]
CRF RAISES $218,000 TO BENEFIT PENN MEDICINE ORPHAN DISEASE CENTER
September 14, 2021, 20:52 GMT — 'Team CHM' cyclists. CRF organized more than 50 teams over four years! The partnership with Penn Medicine Orphan Disease Center has generated international interest in CHM as well as [...]
CRF RECEIVES FIRST-EVER ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT RETINAL DISEASE RESEARCH FOR CHOROIDEREMIA
April 20, 2021, 16:38 GMT — The Peter G. Boone Fund Endowed with a $250,000 Gift. We are incredibly grateful to the Porter and Boone families for their important donation. This endowment will accelerate our [...]
CRF SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND RETINAL PROTEIN THAT CAUSES VISION LOSS AND BLINDNESS WHEN MUTATED
March 26, 2021, 15:41 GMT — Dr. David Gamm, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Receives the Latest Research Award from CRF to Investigate Rare Inherited Retinal Disorders. Dr. Gamm is a recognized leader in the field [...]
CHOROIDEREMIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FUNDS RESEARCH TO UNDERSTAND RETINAL NERVE CELL DEGENERATION IN VISION LOSS DISEASES LIKE CHOROIDEREMIA
Dr. Jasleen Jolly receives the Ricketts Family Research Award to Investigate Rare Inherited Retinal Disorders SPRINGFIELD, MA. – March 3, 2021 – The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) is pleased to announce the recipient of [...]
CHOROIDEREMIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INVITES RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR THE ANNUAL RANDY WHEELOCK RESEARCH AWARD
Proposals related to finding a cure for CHM are due by March 31, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, MA. – February 3, 2021 – The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) is pleased to welcome proposal submissions for the Annual [...]