“Anyone can do anything they put their minds to,” Wisconsin resident Renee Kuester-Sebranek believes—and proves. “You just need the right outlook, resources and support—and Hadley is great for resources and support.”
Renee recalls, “I had to learn to do everything differently as a visually impaired person.” She first enrolled with Hadley in 2008 and continues to be active today. “Hadley has so much to offer. It is crazy good,” she declares. “Every day is a good day to learn, and I am always finding new information with Hadley.” Renee likes the short, practical workshops that are available any time. She listens to Hadley podcasts and joins in several discussion groups because, “there’s a lot to learn by listening to other people.” She also tells others about Hadley, including the low vision support group she leads.
Renee’s positive mindset helps her do just about anything including whitewater canoeing, cross-country skiing, target-shooting, and tandem mountain biking. Her husband, Ken, is by her side for these outdoor adventures. Because Ken is happiest at home, Renee’s extensive international travel—including trips to Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America—has been in the company of friends or family.
Most of Renee’s adventures have taken place since she lost her sight. Doctors diagnosed Renee with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 17. Despite several surgeries, she was legally blind by the age of 41 and lost her remaining vision by 46. Now almost “60-years young,” Renee says, “I feel fortunate that everything else works fine.” In addition to her husband, she is grateful for her four grown daughters; several grandchildren; beloved guide dog, Charade; and cat, Milla Kitty.
However, it was not always this way. Adjusting to vision loss was “daunting and overwhelming,” she admits. “I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I didn’t want to accept help and felt lost and angry at the world.” Things improved when she contacted the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, which provided her with helpful resources and also told her about Hadley.
Over her years with Hadley, Renee has also given back as a donor, recognizing, “Hadley is a worthwhile cause. The funds help to better peoples’ lives in many unexpected ways.”