Sunday's SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day in Miami Beach will raise money for blindness

A Miami Beach family, determined to help find a cure for their son's blindness, organizes an athletic day to raise money for research. The SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day takes place Sunday at Flamingo Park.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
In 2007, Helen and Adam Mopsick welcomed their third son, Colton.
When doctor's diagnosed the infant with aniridia, a condition that left him without an iris and visually impaired, the Mopsicks nonetheless hoped science would find a way for their son -- and others -- to see.
To raise money for research, the Miami Beach family has organized SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Flamingo Park track at 12th Street and Michigan Avenue.
The event will feature athletic competitions as well as food vendors, sack racing, carnival games, rock climbing, bounce houses and arts and crafts.
Proceeds will benefit The Vision For Tomorrow Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds research to help the blind and visually impaired.
``Our goal is to raise enough money to help fund research projects which help find a cure that will prevent his poor vision from further deterioration,'' said Adam Mopsick.
The Mopsicks said they were inspired by the book Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure and the Man Who Dared to See, which tells the story of Mike May, who was born blind but had his sight restored almost 40 years later.
Helen Mopsick said she has been touched by the outpouring of support from friends and neighbors.
``We've been overwhelmed,'' said Mopsick, who will be at the event with her husband and sons Colton, 2, Jackson, 7, and Trent, 5 . ``We feel supported.''
Wendy Baum, co-president of the Chicago-based The Vision For Tomorrow Foundation, will fly in from Illinois for the event.
``It will be something of building memories together,'' she said in a phone interview. ``It will be special.'' Baum's 9-year-old son, Tyler, also suffers from aniridia.
The event features a CrossFit competition, sponsored by CrossFit 305, for individual male and female adults and families.
To compete, adults will have to pay $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 and up.
Competition includes lifting weights, box jumping, push-ups and pull-ups all within a required time and determined repetitions.
There will be three divisions of competition: advanced, intermediate and beginner. Winners will take home a trophy.
SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day has been in the works for about eight months.
The Mopsick family practices healthy habits and thought the event would be a great experience to raise awareness and promote exercise for families,while raising funds for a good cause.
``We are trying to create a day where families can enjoy as a team,'' said Adam Mopsick, a children's trainer at CrossFit 305, 5940 NE Fourth Ave.
Visit www.seefit.org or call 305--753-3190 for information.