The Foundation Fighting Blindness Jacksonville Area chapter will host a free event on Saturday.

Ten-time Ironman triathlete and XTERRA champion Michael Stone will speak Saturday at the University of North Florida.

Stone is an author, coach, trainer, public speaker, and multi-sport shop owner.

He lost his sight to retinal disease after a 2004 diagnosis. Since his diagnosis, he has competed solo in 10 Ironman Triathlons.

"I saw people who had greater sight limitations than mine doing amazing things," Stone, of Boulder, Colo., said. "I realized I had become one of those people who was living in a significant amount of fear. An attitude adjustment led me to continuously push my own limits and work to inspire others facing blinding diseases to live life to the fullest. The path doesn't come without hurdles, like a recent rattle snake bite I got during training, but spreading the message of empowerment and driving research through the Foundation Fighting Blindness creates hope for me and millions of others."

Stone is now working on his second book. He will speak Saturday at the University of North Florida's Student Union Building. His speech will begin at 10:30 a.m. Copies of his book will be available and all proceeds will benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness.