Mr. Gazzara has retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disorder, and is now legally blind. After being diagnosed when he was 12 years old, he slowly started to lose his peripheral and night vision.
But he hasn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dreams. Although he utilizes certain devices to help him read a computer screen, Mr. Gazzara has refused to learn Braille or make use of certain other visual aids.
He completed his undergraduate degree at Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania and will graduate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on June 5. His focus is on neuro-muscular medicine. Although Mr. Gazzara can’t perform invasive procedures or surgeries, he is able to use his hands to identify muscles, nerves and bone disorders.
Despite his hard work, Mr. Gazzarra says many people didn’t always believe in him. “When that many people tell you you can’t do something — it’s hard not to believe them,” he said, according to the report. But with the support of friends and family members, he’s scored a residency in Michigan.
“I’m hoping that by getting my story out there, it inspires other people and show[s] the world we are very capable,” said Mr. Gazzarra, according to the report. “And sometimes you have to take a step back … and see what we can do.”
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