Donor Opportunities
Success stories
CREATING NEW POSSIBILITIES - Millie
One year ago I didn't know what macular degeneration was. I didn't realize that most people who are visually impaired lost their vision as adults. I didn't know that one out of every six people over 65 will experience some form of vision loss.
But a year ago, macular degeneration reared its ugly head into my life. The impact of this disease is immediate. It changes your life by taking away your ability to do a lot of little things you take for granted. I couldn't drive myself to the grocery store. I couldn't read my mail or write out a check. I was insecure walking up and down stairs—the shadows played tricks and I couldn't see where the stairs began or where they ended.
My first reaction was shock more than anything else. Then I started thinking about the future and I wanted to cry. I worried about how my family was going to react. I didn't want to lose my independence.
I lost most of the vision in my right eye. I have peripheral vision in the left. When I look at you directly, I can see your shape, but can't tell who you are. When I look over to the right, I can see that you have facial features and might be able to recognize you. I am learning how to make the most of my remaining vision, but it is a struggle.
You don't think about all the ways you use your vision until you lose it. All the simple things. I can't read a menu. I had to completely change my way of cooking because I can't read the labels on all the different spices.
Even with my vision loss, I do realize how fortunate I am. I have four wonderful daughters who are helping me adjust. They are the ones who found the Guild for the Blind. My daughter, Pat, came to the Guild to find something to help me make my tea. I love tea, but I kept burning my hand overfilling my cup with hot water. Judi Jasek, the Guild's rehabilitation specialist, showed Pat a device that hangs over the lip of your cup and beeps when the liquid is close to the top.
Judi also encouraged Pat to bring me to the Guild's seminar series for adults with new vision loss. That is where I met Judi and learned ways to regain my independence. It was important to hear about all of the opportunities from someone who is also blind, someone who understands what it means to lose your vision—not just physically, but emotionally.
I learned about all the tools that are available to help with the simple, but important, daily tasks. I now use a check writing guide and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) to write out my checks. The CCTV is a wonderful device. It allows me to magnify items up to 50 times their normal size. I can balance my checkbook again—and I have only overdrawn it once!
I can now read my own mail. I use different colored cutting boards with different colored foods—blue for onions, white for tomatoes, and yellow for meats. I have even purchased a cane and took the first lesson.
I have learned so much from the staff at the Guild. They are wonderful—so helpful, so upbeat. They've given me more confidence in myself. Organizations like the Guild are so very important. Eye doctors can tell you about the condition, but not where to go to get help to live a normal life. So, I have given information about the Guild to my eye doctor.
Judi also encouraged me to join a local support group for people with vision loss. She wanted me to become the leader of the group, but I wasn't ready for that. Instead, I help the woman who runs the group. I shared all of the information Judi gave to me with the group and arranged for her to give a presentation to the members. Next, I would like to plan some outings for the group to a casino and to Victory Gardens to see one of their audio described performances.
I am slowly building my new life as an independent woman with macular degeneration. I am using the tools, training, and information the Guild has given me to continue with the activities I love. I order books on tape from the Library of Congress to keep up with my reading. I'm learning to use the CCTV more efficiently. My goal is to master catalogues and crossword puzzles.
My Guild story doesn't yet have an ending. I still have goals and still need to develop some of the skills—like mobility. I need a little more confidence in myself and my abilities. I want to have the attitude Judi has—just do it and don't let anyone or anything stop you!
Though I still hope for miracles, I'm not going to stop living waiting for one to happen! Return to Success Stories
Programs & Services - For Those With New Vision Loss - Low Vision Devices & Tools for Daily Living - Guild Briefs - Scholarships - Passionate Focus Art Exhibit - Program Partners - Donor Opportunities - Calendar of Events