Florida Teen Channels Music Talent to Fund Research for Curing Blindness

In the sunny city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a prodigious young musician named Miles Hoyt makes people pause and admire when he plays his lap steel guitar. At just 13 years of age, Miles is no ordinary teen; he's a gifted artist who is legally blind.

A Battle With Vision Loss

Miles wasn't always visually impaired. The onset of his sight loss began at age 6, and after a series of medical consultations, he was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss and has no known cure. His parents, Renee and Michael Hoyt, faced the devastating reality of their son's condition, worrying about its impact on his burgeoning musical talents.

Finding Solace in Music

Despite his visual impairment, Miles found comfort in music, honing his auditory skills to compensate for his inability to read sheet music. Performing across South Florida, his condition did not hinder his passion for music. Encouraged by Miles' persistence, his family had a brainwave: to harness his musical talent to support research in curing blindness.

Smiles for Miles: A Musical Mission

The Hoyts created 'Smiles for Miles,' a unique musical event aimed at fundraising for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Scheduled for a day of jubilant celebration in Lake Worth Beach, the festival features performances by Miles, his parents, and other musicians. Through donations, raffles, and silent auctions — including coveted tickets to see guitarist Joe Bonamassa — the event encapsulates the community's dedication to aiding scientific advances in blindness.

'I know that it won’t go away unless we do something about it,' states Miles, whose determination is at the heart of 'Smiles for Miles' initiative.

inspiration, music, charity