Debra Celiz was so joy-filled that she danced in heels at her high school reunion despite having low vision.
That moment was a far cry from years before when Debra chose not to go to her high school
reunion because she was afraid of falling as she started losing her vision.
"I was terrified of making a fool of myself," she said. "I pictured myself sitting in
a corner in the dark because people would feel sorry for me."
When she found Society for the Blind, she joined the weeklong retreat for seniors, learning
how to cook, navigate streets using a white cane, use public transportation, shop and
organize money in her wallet, and use talking gadgets like a labeler.
"The senior retreat at Society for the Blind changed my life," Debra said. "It opened the doors to new possibilities, and I started to develop my confidence and become hopeful for my future."
So when her next high school reunion rolled around, Debra not only decided to attend, she bought
a pair of high-heeled shoes.
"I walked in with my cane and high heels and was greeted so warmly," she said. "I
danced and reconnected with people I hadn't seen in 40 years. I have
back everything I lost after starting to lose my vision."
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