Mission Moment: Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez was in the middle of playing a soccer game for the McCollum High School Cowboys when he felt a sharp pain in his head. He thought he might be fatigued and asked his mom to bring him food from the concession stand. It turned out to be much more serious.
​
At 16 years old, Juan suffered a stroke. The doctor at the first hospital his mom rushed him to said he would never be able to move again. Luckily, his mom didn’t accept that as an option. She took him to another hospital where the doctors gave the family hope. After two months, Juan started to regain mobility and strength.
​
He made a full recovery and even became an avid runner, but his vision was permanently lost. Juan quickly received guidance and support from the San Antonio Lighthouse’s Children and Youth Program. He felt lucky to have the Lighthouse right down the road from his house.
​
At 25 years old, Juan works as an assembler at the San Antonio Lighthouse.

"I'm grateful for the skills I've learned and the friends I've made," Juan said.

He joined the Lighthouse as an employee four years ago and you can often hear his infectious laugh resonating through the Lighthouse.
Juan standing outside of the San Antonio Lighthouse wearing a red shirt and jeans. He is holding a white cane and wearing sunglasses.
You're Invited:
National White Cane Awareness Day
Join us in celebrating National White Cane Awareness Day at Beautify San Antonio Park on Friday, October 14 at 11 a.m.

The event will feature a proclamation and keynote speaker Paul Boskind, who is a fascinating representative of the blind community as a TONY award-winning producer and a member of President Biden’s Committee for Intellectual Disabilities.

The program will be from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by food and vendors from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. 
National White Cane Day Awareness Day October 14, 2022 11 a.m. -- 12 p.m Beautif y San Antonio Park Food and Vendors 12 p.m. - 2p.m.
Golf Tournament:
"Fore" the Blind Charity Scramble
Join us for our 14th Annual “Fore” the Blind Charity Scramble at Canyon Spring Golf Club on Nov. 16, 2022. 
 
This one-of-a-kind golf tournament will feature foursomes paired with one of the world’s best blind golfers. 
 
Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at the Lighthouse that increase the independence of individuals who are blind and vision impaired.
 
Last year, the Lighthouse provided more than 23,000 services to roughly 7,000 San Antonians.
 
You can help us empower even more people who are blind and vision impaired by supporting our event. 
San Antonio Lighthouse Board Members Bruce and Judy Hooper stand on a golf course with four golfers holding golf clubs.
Meet the Board: Judy Hooper

Why do you serve on the San Antonio Lighthouse Board?

I serve the Lighthouse because I believe in our mission. I think about our mission of empowering those who have lost their sight every day. I dream about cures. I work diligently to make the challenges the vision impaired face surmountable. I want to stop all vision loss.
A photo of Judy Hooper with the quote I serve the Lighthouse because i believe in our mission. I think about our mission of empowering those who have lost their sight every day.