William Floyd High School student Caitlyn Michiels, Founder of Caitlyn’s Vision took the youth lead on Suffolk County Rare Diseases Day.
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella recently joined Michiels, founder of the nonprofit Caitlyn’s Vision, along with other officials, friends, and family, to witness the H. Lee Dennison Building illuminated in green in honor of Rare Disease Day in Suffolk County.
Caitlyn Michiels, a ninth-grader at William Floyd High School, is a dedicated advocate for children with visual impairments. Earlier this year, Caitlyn approached Legislator Mazzarella with the idea of officially recognizing the last day of February as Rare Disease Day in Suffolk County – aligning with efforts in municipalities across the country.
“I was once someone with a rare disease who didn’t have support. I never want anyone to feel the way I did,” said Caitlyn. “Lighting the building shows these patients that Suffolk County cares for and supports them. In order to bring awareness to research, we need to keep the conversations going. I am thankful for my partner, Legislator Mazzarella, and all the legislators, for their support.”
Legislator Mazzarella introduced legislation designating this important day and directing the Suffolk County Department of Public Works to illuminate the county’s executive offices in green – raising awareness for rare diseases.
“Caitlyn is a true inspiration to young people everywhere,” said Legislator Mazzarella. “She has never let her diagnosis define her. Instead, she has turned her challenges into a mission to help others live better lives. Caitlyn is someone our entire community can be proud of.”
Caitlyn Michiels’ advocacy began at the age of 8 after being diagnosed with Anterior Bilateral Uveitis, a rare eye disease and the third-leading cause of childhood blindness. She founded Caitlyn’s Vision, launching fundraising campaigns, collecting used eyeglasses, and championing initiatives for children’s eye health.
Caitlyn’s impact has been significant. In 2019, as a third grader, she successfully advocated for August to be designated as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month in Suffolk County. Then in 2020, she donated specialized light covers to the William Floyd School District to aid visually-impaired students. In 2024, she advocated for inclusive playgrounds in Suffolk County, ensuring the addition of bright colors and textured edges to assist children with visual impairments and disabilities.
Rare Disease Day is an internationally recognized initiative dedicated to advancing diagnosis and treatment for individuals living with rare diseases.