I know more than I ever wanted to about unmet needs.
I became blind when I was five years old. That's when I learned about AFB. It produced my educational materials and devices, which were my lifelines.
When I grew up and graduated college, I tried but struggled to land a job. I would send my resume and cover letter, then ace a phone interview. Everything looked promising until I showed up for the in-person interview with my white cane. Suddenly I was no longer what they expected. I was labeled incapable. That hurt, every time.
With a lot of perseverance, I finally got a job and built confidence and a career. Then, more than 15 years ago, I attended my first AFB Leadership Conference. As it is now, AFB was the leader in the field of vision loss, the place that millions of people turned to for help, hope, information, and community.
This year, I became AFB's president and CEO, and every day I'm humbled by the thanks I hear from the people whose lives we improve—kids, parents, elders, and their families who just want equal access to the things so many of us risk taking for granted: education, independence, health, jobs, and technology that lets us connect with our friends and the world.
Your Donation's Impact
The demand for AFB's services is growing. In 2017 alone, millions of people will learn for the first time that they are losing their vision. If it were you or a loved one, I know you'd want AFB to be there as a go-to resource, a source of community, and a champion for equality and access.
Meanwhile, government and corporate support for our work is shrinking. Today, Giving Tuesday, is the perfect time to donate to the organization I and others have turned to for so long.
AFB is 95 percent privately funded. We rely on friends like you—compassionate people who understand the impact of their support—to keep us going. Together, we can make the next year brighter for everyone who depends on AFB.
Right now, while you're thinking about it, donate and help us continue the work we love—being the source of strength for people with vision loss when they need us most.
Thank you for your generosity.
