"Makes me feel less isolated"
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.
Hadley
Makes me feel less isolated
Jessica: Just hearing the experiences of other people, it makes me feel less isolated and that these experiences are not just mine, but they are pretty universal to the low vision community.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Jessica: Hey, my name is Jessica Simmel and I am from New York, New York. I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in December of 2016. The same week I found out that I had breast cancer. And now, eight years later, sitting at my window birding and listening to some of these podcasts and realized that maybe I did have something to share.
Because listening to these stories, these sound bites are so validating. I have about eight degrees of vision left, probably a little less by now. And, it's hard. As you all know, and something that has brought me comfort this year, that has allowed me to really keep going is adaptive sports.
I'm 51 years old. I had stopped doing anything athletic due to arthritis in my wrists, my knees, my hip. And then I learned about an adaptive climbing group that was about 45 minutes away from where I live. And when I was sighted, I absolutely loved climbing, but I hadn't done it, probably since 16 years ago.
And it's been six months that I have been doing adaptive rock climbing, and I can say that it's truly changed my life. It just made me feel strong in my own body. And I hadn't felt that in a really, really long time.
The other thing that has helped me is listening to stories from other people. Just hearing the experiences of other people, it makes me feel less isolated and that these experiences are not just mine, but they are pretty universal to the low vision community.
So I hope this help and thank you all for helping me with your stories. Thank you.
Marc: You never know who might need to hear your story. If you’d like to share with us, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites voicemail. By calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can use your smartphone or computer and email us a recording to [email protected].
All Episodes
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Episode 45
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
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Episode 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
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Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
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Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
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Episode 41
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.
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Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
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Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
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Episode 38
Denise can struggle with the slow but continuous loss of vision she's facing. But she's found a way to pick herself up on a bad day.
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Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
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Episode 36
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 35
For many, having to give up the car keys due to vision loss is traumatic. Deb felt it too. Then, during a call to arrange transportation for herself, a new door opened.
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Episode 34
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.