Determination despite Disability

Ten years ago, in the month of Blind Awareness October, my nephew (then 13) was diagnosed with Stargardt disease.

What is Stargardt Disease? Stargardt disease is a genetic eye disorder that causes retinal degeneration and vision loss. Stargardt Disease is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration, affecting about 30,000 people in the U.S. The progressive vision loss associated with Stargardt disease is caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the central portion of the retina called the macula.

It obviously was a life changing and traumatic day for him as well as his parents and his brother. We can’t imagine what this must have been like and the consequent road they have walked in order to come to terms and cope with this disability.

Today he is in his final year of University – a top achiever – sportingly active – well-adjusted young man, living his life to the full. What an inspiration he is. This does not mean he does not have challenges and at times goes through difficult days too.

He is a person with so much depth as well as a fantastic sense of humour.

Living with a disability requires strength of character and determination. It is a choice that must be made and then draw on the reserves every day – choosing every day to live life as best as you can.

It is humbling and inspiring to see and know a person like this in our own family. Gratitude for ‘normal’ physical function is the real reminder here for me. We take so much for granted.

Life coaching is a practical outcome talk therapy.

Neuro-Linguistics (NLP), Modern Applied Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

For more information contact: Karin Engman @ Mind Wellness 082 7246985

For your appointment @ MIZPAH (opp JJ School) or @ HUMMINGBIRD (home office) - ERMELO

Published Author: “A Path of Choices”