Elisha's Story

Thirty years young, with a bright future ahead. If only I had known how quickly the light would dim.

It was May 2017. I was working two jobs, one as a dietary aid and the other as a bus driver. I had full vision, independence, and momentum. But everything changed in a single moment. After finishing my bus route on a beautiful spring afternoon, I noticed a gray spot in my right eye. I rubbed it, certain it would vanish, but it didn't.

Concerned, I saw my eye doctor. Blood filled my eyes from hemorrhaging vessels. A specialist ordered emergency laser procedures. Then came the words that stopped me: "You could go blind."

How would I survive in a sighted world? Will I still be me? After six laser surgeries and four additional procedures, including bubble insertions for retinal detachments, doctors traced my vision loss to silently progressing diabetes. With the medical storm behind me, I knew it was time to begin healing emotionally.

I began to reclaim my voice

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was introduced to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ). I began by participating in their virtual classes, which provided vital support and connection during a challenging time. In Spring 2022, I transitioned to in-person sessions, deepening my engagement and benefiting from the hands-on experience and community atmosphere.

Two classes transformed my life in ways I never expected: Self-Advocacy and Drumming.

Self-Advocacy opened a door I hadn't known existed. It allowed me to explore my vision loss beyond the surface, peeling back layers of fear and uncertainty. With Liz's guidance, I began to reclaim my voice and rebuild my confidence­one honest conversation at a time.

VLANJ empowered me!

Drumming was intimidating at first. I struggled to find the rhythm and frustration came easily. But the moment I released my grip on perfectionism, something shifted. I found joy in the beat, and the drum became more than an instrument-it became my sanctuary.

VLANJ pulled me out of my comfort zone, empowered me to advocate for myself, and reminded me that I am not alone. The staff at VLANJ have never placed limits on me. Even as I navigate life with vision loss, they've consistently empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence. Their unwavering support has transformed challenges into opportunities. Without VLANJ, I wouldn't have the sense of purpose and excitement that keeps me moving forward.

Today, my vision is minimal-blurry and limited at night. Daylight is my best friend. I'm stable now, but navigating stairs and transitioning from light to dark remains challenging. I recently received my seeing eye dog, Mariah, who has given me the confidence to leave my home at night and the freedom to reclaim my independence.

Vision loss has taught me resilience and revealed a world I never truly saw before.

So, am I still me?

Yes. I am unique. I am confident. I am a survivor. And I am on a new journey-one filled with purpose, courage, and kindness in blindness.

Support VLANJ

Vision loss is devastating and services for adults are limited. For over 82 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in independent living skills and assistive technology.

To support our annual appeal, please use this link to visit our donate page, or use the envelope enclosed. Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ.

Thank you for supporting Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

 

Throughout our 81-year history, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been a leader in delivering innovative programs and services for individuals with vision loss. What began as a summer residential camp for women with vision loss has grown into an organization offering unique, state-of-the-art programs that continue to empower and transform lives.

Trisha's Story

Trisha Ebel, VLANJ's Outreach Specialist, shares her story below:

It was a Monday evening and Mom was heating up gravy on the stove. It was leftovers - boy how I loved her cooking!

I was nine years old, watching The Brady Bunch on TV, when suddenly I felt the need to cover my right eye with my hand. I realized I couldn't see out of my left! I told my mom and she put her hand over her heart and gasped for air - something was terribly wrong.

Cataracts in my left eye led to Glaucoma at ten years old. And within a year, my right eye had cataracts as well.

I had seven surgeries to remove the cataracts and stabilize Glaucoma and high pressure. I was so frightened in the hospital - these memories have stayed with me, making me feel unsafe.

I got through middle and high school, until senior year when I was unable to read regular size print. Nobody wanted to hang out with me. I was put down. I was called names. I became isolated and thought all was lost.

Later, I studied to be a travel agent but lost every job due to my vision loss. I felt defeated. My feeling of unworthiness was getting worse.

In 2006, a whole new world opened up for me when I found VLANJ and began classes. Being part of peer support, Orientation and Mobility, JAWS Technology, cooking, and advocacy helped me overcome my fears and ultimately, accept my vision loss.

Upon completing my programs, I felt a sense of total freedom, independence, and dignity. I was wearing a blue denim skirt with white flowers along the bottom. The skirt flared out and up when I spun around. I thought to myself, "The flowers feel like they are dancing!" I raised my arms and smiled.

Since that day, my smile has never left my face. I learned - vision does not affect how you feel!

Today, I have limited sight in my right eye, so I wear glasses to define objects in the right eye and balance the left. Cloudy days are the best days with no sun or glare. I can still struggle, but my life is full!

Support VLANJ

Vision loss is devastating and services for adults are limited. For over 80 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in
independent living skills and assistive technology.

Your gift will continue to grow programs and services here at VLANJ.

To support our annual appeal, please use this link to visit our donate page.