I was sighted my entire life, until at the age of 27, I lost all of my eyesight from diabetic retinopathy.
I was a single mom, working to support my family, and now I lost my site in a matter of three months, lost my job and could not see to do anything. I felt like my life was over and that my only option was giving up – but I could not have been more wrong. This is not the end of my life, but rather the beginning to an incredible new journey!
I was given the gift of my seeing eye Guide dog, Bryce, only a year and a half after losing my sight. He changed my life so much. He gave me the self-confidence I needed to achieve my dreams, the pride to be able to finally walk into a room with my head held high, and the independence to travel and go anywhere my heart desired.
I have come to realize that my purpose in life is to help others who struggle on a daily basis, and to help them see for themselves that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, no matter what obstacles or disabilities light in the way! I am now a full-time college student, continuing my education and pursuing my dreams. I am an inSIGHTful speaker that helps others except themselves and others for their differences, improve self-esteem and approaching every day with a positive attitude, and I’m now the current president for my local chapter Council of the Blind.
But most of all, I am a successful, proud, self-confident and independent mother to an amazing young man, who supports me and my endeavors every day, loves and accepts me for who I am, and believes in me.
I have been a type one insulin-dependent diabetic since the age of six. Although this disease has taken my eyesight, it has not taken my dreams or my life passions. I am a proud, single mom, and enjoy the gift of my son every day. Without his support, unconditional love and never-ending belief that I can get through this, I would not be where I am today.
