Antidote
Episode 15
DRIVING BLIND with Documentary Subject Tod Purvis
DRIVING BLIND documentary subject Tod Purvis shares his film about his family struggle with Choroideremia, and how imminent blindness inspired he and his brother to fulfill a visual bucket list across the country. From New York, to New Orleans, the Black Hills, and beyond, we discuss coping with the disease, and preparing for a progressive disability in a candid documentary that explores family and the fragile nature of life in this Antidote interview, hosted by Michael Parker.
Episode Breakdown
00:01 Welcoming Tod Purvis to Antidote.
00:35 Tod discusses choroideremia.
04:15 How the road trip came about.
05:35 A crew of three.
06:40 The route.
07:39 Vision check.
09:07 The camera equipment.
10:06 Social media, housing & crowdfunding.
11:02 Meeting Choroideremia Research Foundation President, Beth Foss.
11:58 Mt. Rushmore & fog.
12:25 Jim Morrison quote and floating through darkness.
14;55 Depression and life while losing vision.
18:00 A night climb in Texas and early anxiety in New York.
21:40 Driving with limited sight.
24:20 Canes and communicating with the disabled.
28:01 “What would you like to see before you go blind?”
29:06 Becoming a spokesman.
30:20 Navigating New Orleans and no fear.
32:00 Family, research and charity.
35:07 What’s next for Tod and Justin.
37:07 Programs and Apps to aid with vision.
38:45 Where to watch “Driving Blind”.
39:38 Thank you and goodbye.
Guest Bio
“Driving Blind”- a feature length documentary. Two brothers, Tod and Justin Purvis, faced with a rare genetic disease that causes blindness (Choroideremia) decide to take the road trip of a lifetime around the United States and see everything possible before going blind. The brothers explored large cities and small towns, camped in national parks, pushing themselves to their limits while meeting strangers and making new friends. The trip forced the brothers to confront some of their darkest fears, while also exposing them to amazing sight across the country and reinforcing their faith in the beauty of the human spirit. “Driving Blind” is the story of appreciating what you have, while you have it. The film is a portrait of what makes America beautiful, what really matters in life, and what we as human beings do with our short time here.
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