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V.I.P. (Support for Visually Impaired People) Vision loss, unfortunately, effects more people every year, touching the lives of many around us. My name is Kathy Beal. At the age of 37, due to a rare for of spinal meningitis, I lost most of my eyesight. I can see shapes and contrasts but nothing clearly. My very busy life came to an abrupt halt. During the hours that stretched out before me, I had a tendency to dwell on all of the things I could no longer do. After many months and many tears, with the help of God and my family, new opportunities were open to me. I was amazed at the adaptive technology, equipment and training that was available, enabling me to do many things I thought I would never be able to do again. As I adjusted to my new life, I began to wonder how many others with vision loss had no idea there were so many products, services, benefits and resources available. God placed a burden on my heart for others facing the challenge of living with vision loss. Through a series of events which only God could have orchestrated, I met a wonderful Christian lady, Mary Hardin. She encouraged me to go with my heart and start a support group for the visually impaired. After much planning with the V.I.P.'s I already knew, we held our first meeting in May 2003. There were 11 in attendance, each with their own story and level of success in dealing with their vision loss. One thing we discovered in common was that each of us at one time felt totally alone, having no idea how many others were in the same situation. At our meetings, visually impaired people of all ages, their families, friends and caregivers socialize (it is a very up-beat group!) while sharing information on all aspects of vision loss. It has been a joy for me to see how people in the group reach out to one another, sharing experiences and offering encouragement. In 2 Corinthians 1:4 it says God comforts us "in all our troubles, so that we can comfrot those in any trouble...". That's why we are here. We truly care, understand and want to offer hope to others. When: Third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Where: McKay Manor
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