Spring 2008

As a child of eight, I saw my father cry for the very first time. He had just learned that my vision loss, which had just begun, was hereditary and would progress so that I would eventually be blind. Both of my parents were devastated by the news, and they desperately visited doctor upon doctor in search of a cure. They felt guilty and grieved my vision loss for years after the initial diagnosis — in fact, long after I had come to terms with it.

My parents hoped and prayed for a cure. They didn't know what would happen to me. Where would I wind up? Who would take care of me, if they couldn't find a cure? They had a lot of questions and nowhere to turn. Sure, supportive friends and family tried to cheer them up and tell them everything was going to be okay, but what did they know? Their children were fully sighted; their kids were fine. My parents had no one to turn to who could really ease their minds, no one to say, "My son went through the same thing and look at him now; he's a successful teacher, lawyer or CEO."

That is why I am so very excited about AFB's newest initiative, FamilyConnect, an online lifeline. It is a lifelong resource and network of support hosted in partnership with NAPVI, the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. This groundbreaking web site will provide a place for parents of children with vision loss to share their stories, learn from each other, and ensure that their children lead active, independent, and rewarding lives.

As with every important milestone at AFB, we could not accomplish what we do without your ongoing commitment. Thank you for helping us to bring a world of information and support to parents of children with vision loss through this vital new online community.

Sincerely,
Carl R. Augusto

Spring 2008

• FamilyConnect:  Empowering Families Via the Web
• AFB Salutes Concetta Conkling
• Focus on Charitable Gift Annuities