Nashville Notes for Coats'

05/20/2026

Last night, Kip shared his dream of becoming a pilot.

He's been researching schools, studying hard, and hopes to attend MTSU Department of Aerospace.

The dream changes sometimes.
Some days he wants to be an architect. Other days, an HVAC specialist. Last night, it was a pilot.

But one thing never changes, he's always an overcomer.

And my goal remains the same, raise the money needed to fund research for a cure before it's too late.

I smiled while he talked.
And behind closed doors, I cried.

Because Coats' disease doesn't care about his dreams. Every day without better treatments and research is another day closer to vision loss for kids like him.

So this morning, we made a battle plan. He'll keep chasing his future. And I'll keep fighting to protect it.

05/15/2026

They both played Nots for Coats’ in 2023!♥️

Ella Langley sat on a plane flying back to Nashville, tears rolling down her face, and wrote a tribute to the woman who had been by her side since before any of this was real.

"If you love my music, you also love Joybeth. I wouldn't be the same without my sister in song and my favorite writing buddy."
They met in Nashville when neither one of them had anything going on. Their first write happened on Ella's back porch, smoking Marlboro Reds and talking about a dream so big it almost felt embarrassing to say out loud. They wanted to write a song with Miranda Lambert someday.

Years later, they were in a Nashville writing room with Miranda, putting "Choosin' Texas" on paper. When the session was over, Miranda drove them to a gas station to buy Marlboro Reds.
Full circle, with smoke in the air.

Joybeth Taylor writes nearly 300 songs a year. MusicRow called the two of them "individually two of the best songwriters this town's got. Their magic is only magnified when they're together."
Every single dream they whispered on that back porch has come true.

This is what real friendship in country music looks like

05/15/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬’ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞

Living with a rare disease can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting, especially for those navigating vision loss and medical uncertainty. But for so many Coats’ Disease Warriors, comfort comes with four paws, wet noses, feathers, whiskers, or wagging tails.

Studies show pets can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of emotional support and connection. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that interacting with animals can decrease cortisol and increase oxytocin, the hormone connected to comfort and bonding.

We want to celebrate the incredible bond between Coats’ Warriors and the pets who help them through hard days, surgeries, appointments, and recovery nights.

✨ Share a photo of your Coats’ Warrior with the pet they love most!

✨ Tell us their names and how their furry (or feathery!) friend helps them cope.

✨ Use the hashtag

Sometimes fighting a rare disease looks like doctor’s visits, but sometimes it looks like spending time with a furry (or not!) friend during a hard day. 💙

Thanks to Coats' Warrior, Kip, for sharing this photo!

05/11/2026

Harlan was just 7 months old when she was diagnosed with Coats’ Disease, a rare eye condition that can lead to vision loss in children. What began as subtle changes in her eye quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis.
After being referred to Dr. Recchia, one of the region’s very few pediatric retina specialists with expertise in complex conditions like Coats’ Disease, Harlan’s family finally had answers and a care team they could trust. Under Dr. Recchia’s expert care, she has already undergone multiple procedures, and today her eye remains stable.

Coats’ Disease is rare, but early detection and specialized care make all the difference. That’s why awareness and organizations like the Jack McGovern Coats' Disease Foundation are so important. They help fund research and support families navigating this journey.
Harlan’s story is one of resilience, expert care, and community. By sharing it, we hope more families recognize the signs and know they’re not alone.

💙 Raise awareness and support the fight against Coats’ Disease. Learn more > https://www.coatsdiseasefoundation.org/

04/28/2026

Ever wonder about the history of N4C? Here’s a timeline!

04/16/2026

If we’re not connected on LinkedIn yet, let’s fix that! I’m intentionally growing my presence there, not just personally but to continue building credibility and visibility for Notes for Coats’.

We’ve reached a point where we’re raising real, impact driven funding, and it’s time to show that same level of purpose and professionalism.

At the heart of it all, this is about protecting Kip’s vision, and creating a better future for so many others facing Coats’ disease.

Let’s keep going. Together, we can make a difference!!!!

Location: Nashville Metropolitan Area · 42 connections on LinkedIn. View Lisa Richardson’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

04/08/2026

Moving to Save a Child's Sight!

04/08/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬' 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬' 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

As Lucas got ready to start kindergarten, we scheduled what we thought would be a routine eye exam, checking off another item on the back-to-school list. At his optometrist’s recommendation, we agreed to retinal imaging “just to be safe.” That simple decision changed everything.

The imaging revealed exudate in Lucas’s left eye, and we were quickly referred to Duke Eye Center for a full ophthalmology evaluation. In September, we received the diagnosis no parent expects to hear: Lucas has Coats’ Disease in his left eye.

Since then, Lucas has faced more than any five-year-old should. He has already undergone two rounds of laser treatments, along with ocular injections, all in an effort to protect his vision. Another procedure is scheduled for March, and we’re hopeful that the swelling around has gone down.

Through it all, Lucas has been incredibly brave. What began as a precautionary exam became an early diagnosis and that early detection has given us hope. Hope that treatment will preserve his vision, and hope that Lucas will be able to see the world clearly as he grows.

Our journey with Coats’ Disease is just beginning, but we are grateful it was caught early and thankful for the care that continues to guide Lucas forward.

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

Speaking as the mom of a Coats' patient for a minute, I cry happy tears almost every time I even talk about Notes for Coats'! Thank God for every person who has supported us!

Speaking as the event creator and organizer, Y'ALL ARE THE BEST! Look at 2025 N4C! What are we going to do for 2026?