“Brothers” Commercial Inspires Millions of People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
By Holly Herring • Feb 18, 2022
Blog Content
The commercial features the true and motivating story of real-life brothers Brian McKeever (Global and Canadian Team Toyota Athlete and Canada's most decorated Winter Paralympian) and Robin McKeever (Olympian, cross-country skiing / Paralympic guide and coach, Para Nordic Skiing).
“Brothers” gives viewers an in-depth look through their emotional journey when Brian receives the diagnosis of an untreatable eye disease called Stargardt macular degeneration at the young age of 19. While age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects nearly 11 million Americans ages 60 and up, Stargardt macular degeneration is a rare eye disease that targets the younger generations. Both diseases affect the central retinal which causes vision loss in the center of the eye. Many patients of Envision’s Vision Rehabilitation Center have AMD and seek solutions and assistive technology tools to help with the progressive eye disease.
After discovering his vision diagnosis, Brian is distraught. He is told that he will continue to lose his vision throughout his adulthood and will eventually be total blind. The shock of this kind of news is devasting for him – a feeling that resonates with many Envision patients and program participants who deal with vision loss.
However, he doesn’t let his diagnosis stop him from pursuing his dreams. Specifically, his dream of becoming a Paralympian cross-country skier. Through countless training sessions and encouragement from his brother, the duo goes on to win 11 Paralympian medals together. A true inspiration to all.
In a news release from Toyota Canada Inc., Brian says, “I hope my story inspires viewers to start their impossible – whatever that might be. “I've learned firsthand that anything is possible with perseverance, and the support of a brother, like Robin.”
2022 Toyota Big Game Commercial: Brothers Extended Cut | Start Your Impossible
