Bonnie Truax and Janice Wolfe led the walkers along the two-mile course, cutting through thick trees and brush at the 16000 block of Nacogdoches Road. Some walkers tapped white canes along the trail. Some linked arms with family members.
Truax supported herself using a white cane with a hard plastic balled-tip. Wolfe, 85, leaned on a pink umbrella as the path rose on one of the highest points in the city.
The women and 148 other participants came out to support the second White Cane Safety Day 5K Fun Run and Walk, which raises awareness about people who are visually impaired. The white cane is a symbol of blindness, and people who use it legally have the right of way when crossing streets and roadways.
“This is important, it's a chance to see what people who are visually impaired can achieve,” Wolfe said. “The disability act has made improvements and allowed accessibility for people from all phases of life to get around in society and live independently.”
Wolfe reads newspaper stories on Owl Radio as a volunteer. Truax created the station in 2002 after she was diagnosed with macular degeneration.
Truax also is founder and president of the San Antonio Low Vision club, a fun run sponsors. Texas Public Radio and the Express-News co-sponsor Owl Radio broadcasts, which go out 24 hours a day to listeners in San Antonio and the Hill Country.
Many listeners know that Wolfe reads world event stories at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday and prerecords art and entertainment briefs broadcast on Saturdays. But they may not know she is legally blind.
Wolfe has macular degeneration in both eyes. She has 20/400 vision in her right eye caused by a black circle that blots out the world except for periphery sight.
Her left eye is 20/40 and holding steady. She uses a strong powered light to read text and doesn't miss a line.
She was drawn to the service by her late husband's commitment to the Lion's Club and its mission to help the visually impaired.
“People are really listening,” Truax said. “It means so much to them and they depend on it.”
Truax said many visually impaired people tend to stay home, and Owl Radio has encouraged many listeners to get out more.
Wolfe's readings also take listeners near and far. They transport them to the opera to hear Bizet's “Carmen.” They spirit them to the Louvre Museum in Paris. And sometimes they guide them to the latest exhibit at the Witte Museum. And the vehicle for each artistic trip is Wolfe's voice.
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