Elisha’s Story
as shared with Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ)
Image: Elisha, a young African-American woman with long blond hair, wearing a blue, pink, white and black plaid fedora hat. She is smiling confidently.
Thirty years young, with a bright future ahead. If only I had known how quickly the light would dim.
It was May 2017. I was working two jobs, one as a dietary aid and the other as a bus driver. I had full vision, independence, and momentum. But everything changed in a single moment. After finishing my bus route on a beautiful spring afternoon, I noticed a gray spot in my right eye. I rubbed it, certain it would vanish, but it didn’t.
Concerned, I saw my eye doctor. Blood filled my eyes from hemorrhaging vessels. A specialist ordered emergency laser procedures. Then came the words that stopped me: “You could go blind.”
How would I survive in a sighted world? Will I still be me? After six laser surgeries and four additional procedures, including bubble insertions for retinal detachments, doctors traced my vision loss to silently progressing diabetes. With the medical storm behind me, I knew it was time to begin healing emotionally.
I began to reclaim my voice
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was introduced to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ). I began by participating in their virtual classes, which provided vital support and connection during a challenging time. In Spring 2022, I transitioned to in-person sessions, deepening my engagement and benefiting from the hands-on experience and community atmosphere.
Two classes transformed my life in ways I never expected: Self-Advocacy and Drumming.
Self-Advocacy opened a door I hadn’t known existed. It allowed me to explore my vision loss beyond the surface, peeling back layers of fear and uncertainty. With Liz’s guidance, I began to reclaim my voice and rebuild my confidenceone honest conversation at a time.
VLANJ empowered me!
Drumming was intimidating at first. I struggled to find the rhythm and frustration came easily. But the moment I released my grip on perfectionism, something shifted. I found joy in the beat, and the drum became more than an instrument-it became my sanctuary.
VLANJ pulled me out of my comfort zone, empowered me to advocate for myself, and reminded me that I am not alone. The staff at VLANJ have never placed limits on me. Even as I navigate life with vision loss, they’ve consistently empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence. Their unwavering support has transformed challenges into opportunities. Without VLANJ, I wouldn’t have the sense of purpose and excitement that keeps me moving forward.
Today, my vision is minimal-blurry and limited at night. Daylight is my best friend. I’m stable now, but navigating stairs and transitioning from light to dark remains challenging. I recently received my seeing eye dog, Mariah, who has given me the confidence to leave my home at night and the freedom to reclaim my independence.
Vision loss has taught me resilience and revealed a world I never truly saw before.
So, am I still me?
Yes. I am unique. I am confident. I am a survivor. And I am on a new journey-one filled with purpose, courage, and kindness in blindness.
About VLANJ
Vision loss is devastating and services for adults are limited. For over 82 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in independent living skills and assistive technology.
To support VLANJ, this link will take you to their donate page.
