In 1983, Sarah Sentell Scott lost her vision and could not find any services to help her adjust to her new reality. So, the Cobb County resident founded Vision Rehabilitation Services, a nonprofit that has dedicated itself to assisting individuals who are blind or visually impaired to lead independent lives.
Saturday, 500 runners gathered at Cobb Park to help the foundation kick off the 4th annual Spooktacular Chase 5K to raise money for the 30-year-old nonprofit organization.
Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, Linda Newman has been a client of VRS’ for five years.
“The organization helped me with technology training, operating appliances, and right now I am receiving iPhone training,” she said. “When you experience vision loss, life doesn’t feel valuable. I was referred to VRS, and through the training you just regain confidence to live an independent life. You just learn to do things in a different way.”
With 500 active clients at any given time, the organization utilizes volunteers to help with events and fundraising.
“We have a great staff, but our volunteers help us build compassion, community support, and make a difference in our clients’ lives,” said Executive Director Sharon Croyle.
The race raised over $30,000 for Vision Rehabilitation Services. The money raised benefits services such as low vision evaluations, training in orientation and mobility, computer access technology, independent living skills, and also counseling for coping with vision loss.
To volunteer with Vision Rehabilitation Services, visit www.blvsgeorgia.org
In other news: Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, located in Marietta, pampered Lindsay Simmons on Oct. 17. The 13-year-old received a makeover that included manicure, pedicure, and got her hair dyed pink, her favorite color. Simmons is battling childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and will be starting procedures for a second bone marrow transplant in November.
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