1. Physical Impairment: 
Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of eight, I was told that the type of arthritis that I had would show itself in either two ways. The first scenario the doctors gave me was a debilitating form of arthritis that could lead to bone and joint deformity accompanied by a lifetime of pain. The second scenario, and ultimately my life story, was a form of arthritis that attacked the eyes, leading to progressively deteriorating vision. The term given to my parents was Eyeritis.  

Slowly, beginning at the age of eight, I started to notice vision changes due to inflammation in my eye. The doctors treated the inflammation with steroid drops that eventually caused me to develop cataracts. After having both of my lenses removed at different times during high school, I developed Glaucoma, which led to a 95% loss of vision in my left eye two years ago and a chronic deterioration of vision in my right eye.  

2. Challenges of Having a Physical Impairment: 
I think the biggest challenge of any disability is being able to adapt. There have been many things that I have had to let go, such as driving, going out alone at night, independence in travel, my pride (when it comes to asking for help), the fear of being misled or manipulated, vanity in appearance due to wearing thick glasses…the trivial list goes on and on. I think the hardest thing for me was to overcome the idea that I was less than others in some way. For me the struggle was never external, but rather internal.  

I was always blessed to be surrounded by a loving family and an equally loving group of friends, which gave me social confidence. However, when it came to hopes of living a normal successful life filled with a great job, a loving husband and children of my own, I felt that that could never happen to me because, “I was defective.” Now I realize that all human beings have something that they deem defective and must struggle with in their lifetime. That is the human condition, dealing with life and all its variability.

I suppose the easiest thing for anyone to do would be to fold in the towel every time things got difficult, but that wouldn’t be living. I think our greatest strength is our ability to adapt. Once we commit to doing whatever it takes, whenever it takes, we automatically set ourselves up for success.  

3. Education:  Baccalaureate’s in Business Administration from Kent State University.  

4. Employment: 
Substitute Teacher for Cleveland Municipal School District and Arts & Crafts liaison for various recreational sites. 

5. Interests / Hobbies: 
My main interests are writing, playing the guitar and attending creative venues. I greatly appreciate art and at times express myself artistically through drawing, poetry or songwriting. 

6. Life’s Ambition / Goals / Passion: 
I have learned that strength, character, truthfulness, love, heart, passion, determination, humor, and sincerity are all priceless commodities. 

7. Advice “Life’s Lesson”:  
“Know your value and broadcast it freely.”