How was YUP Started?

When Aaryn Landers was diagnosed with glaucoma seven years ago at age 15, the Texas teenager was too preoccupied with school, friends and her first boyfriend to give it much thought. But an interview with a local newspaper made her realize that she faced a lifelong chronic condition. “I thought, ‘I could lose my sight. It isn’t fair. I’m so young.’ I felt totally alone,” she said.

Unable to find anyone else her age afflicted with glaucoma in her community, Aaryn started a small online support circle with eight teenagers who gave one another assistance and comfort. In 1999, Aaryn joined forces with The Glaucoma Foundation, expanding the support group into the YUP list. Since its debut, YUP has grown to over 100 members in some 20 countries and has led to the creation of YUP Parents, a similar online support group for parents of young children with glaucoma.

Aaryn believes YUP and YUP Parents fill an important gap in the support network for young glaucoma patients. “Knowing that there are so many other young people with glaucoma makes it much easier to live with the disease and cope with it. We all know what it’s like and we can help and support each other through good times and bad.”

Who can join?

YUP is a place where young people (30 and under) living with glaucoma can communicate, listen and learn, and support one another. It is also a place where family members of younger glaucoma patients can learn from the experiences of YUP members what it’s like to be a teenager or young adult living with this chronic disease.

Why join?

If you are a young person living with glaucoma, you probably can relate to how Aaryn felt when she was first diagnosed. But you don’t need to be alone. There are many other people just like you who live with this disease. As a member of YUP you can listen, share your own experiences, get caring support, or offer advice to others.

As Aaryn explains it, ”We email each other about our glaucoma and about our lives as well. Bad days, doctor appointments and medications are frequent topics of our discussion.”

Is it safe to join?

YUP is a private support group maintained by The Glaucoma Foundation. Every effort is made to ensure that the YUP forum provides a safe, supportive and caring environment. For more details, see our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.


Read a YUP member's "Top 10 Lessons I´ve Learned from Having Glaucoma."

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