"Paying it forward"
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
Hadley
“Paying it forward”
Presented by Douglas Walker
Douglas: Hello, and welcome to the Insights and Sound Bites podcast, where people facing vision loss share insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.
Judy: With the eye disease I have where my vision stays stable for a while and then I lose some more, and then it stays stable, and I lose some more. So, it's been a constant adjustment.
Hi, this is Judy Davis, and I live in Western North Carolina. With the eye disease I have where my vision stays stable for a while and then I lose some more, and then it stays stable, and I lose some more. So, it's been a constant adjustment. And I think one of the most important things for me in learning to cope with my vision loss is just finding others with vision loss to me is so very important. And also, that goes into me turning around and paying it forward to helping others with vision loss, and finding ways to help people who are struggling to say, you can get through this. It's just so important to share the message that there's ways to get through it. Even sharing those bad times with each other is just as important as sharing resources that can help.
With the Hadley program, the Peer-to-Peer program, it just, it brings me joy to help somebody else. Paying it forward is just such a good feeling for me.
Douglas: Was there something someone said to you or something that happened along the way that made all the difference in the world in helping you adjust to living with vision loss? We’d love to hear from you. 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 60
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles' vision. To cope, he is learning new approaches to life AND leaning into areas of passion that don't rely on sight.
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Episode 59
Bruce's vision had been decreasing for years. When it reached the point where he was tripping over objects and bumping into people, he felt embarrassed and kept his vision loss a secret. His wife convinced him to try something new.
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Episode 58
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 57
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
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Episode 56
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
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Episode 55
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.
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Episode 54
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
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Episode 53
Jayne can feel isolated living with her eye disease, spending much of her days forcing herself to focus on things that have become blurry. The stress can be overwhelming, causing her to shut down. But there's one area of life that now brings her more joy than ever before.
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Episode 52
When Jeffry lost his sight, he felt a loss of control, a loss of dignity. Then, he began his long road to empowerment, one small goal at a time.
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Episode 51
Marilyn went through bouts of anxiety and depression with her vision loss and still grieves the loss several years into her journey. She also decided to do something for herself which has helped tremendously.
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Episode 50
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
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Episode 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"