* By Herald Reporter »
A GROUP set up to support blind people in Abingdon has been rescued from closure.
The Abingdon Macular Group has been a help to people with failing eyesight for eight years.
The only dedicated club of its type in the town, it lets people suffering macular degeneration meet up in Abingdon Baptist church hall, in Ock Street, to chat over a cup of tea with others who share their condition. Guest speakers also regularly visit the group.
But when organiser Daphne Baker, 86, decided to step down from her role after four years and other volunteers also left, it looked like the group would have to close.
Attempts to find new volunteers had failed, and Mrs Baker desperately appealed for help.
Now a Good Samaritan has stepped forward to save the group after hearing about its plight at a day to attract new members to clubs and societies in the town.
Audrey Samuels, 47, said she wanted to help the group after witnessing the effect of the eyesight condition on her late uncle.
She said: “I went along to the clubs and societies day, started speaking to Daphne, and offered to start helping with admin. I just wanted to get involved with something voluntary which would help people.
“My uncle did suffer macular degeneration, so that was a common factor. It really was not good at all.
“He lost a lot of confidence and he was scared that he was going to go blind. It really did upset him.”
Mrs Baker said: “We have been facing a difficult time with people about to go away and do different things.
“I’ve been doing it for four years and felt it was the right time to step down.
“Abingdon Macular Group is the only group for blind people in Abingdon and for people in that situation, it is a huge help.
“When you don’t have eyesight, it can cut you off from so much of the world and it’s nice to have someone else who you can chat to and who understands what it’s like.”
Frank Shearman, 84, from Wantage, is one of 20 members who attend the regular meetings.
He first noticed his sight deteriorating eight years ago and his GP recommended he go to a specialist clinic, which identified the condition.
He said: “It is a chance to meet people that suffer the same as I did. Quite a lot of them are far worse.
“I have been told I shall not go blind, but my finer sight has got worse. I am one of the lucky ones. We do not discuss what we have got to any extent, but the different ways of handling it and different things we can buy to help it.”
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sports greats give to auction
Tour de France golden boy Lance Armstrong will help boxing legend Muhammad Ali pack a punch for charity.
A signed Armstrong jersey and a signed Ali boxing glove have been secured for the Wayne Bennett dinner at Ellerslie Convention Centre on Friday, June 4.
The two items are just part of an astonishing array of goodies to be auctioned to raise funds for a number of charities at the Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust dinner.
Also under the hammer on the night will be a framed Australian Rugby League Anzac jersey signed by the Kangaroos and a framed New Zealand Rugby League jersey signed by the Kiwis as well as many other items including some spectacular artwork and fine wine.
Bennett is the world's most successful league coach ever, but is famous for his silence. He rarely grants interviews, frequently gives as short an answer as possible and never hesitates to tell media if he thinks their questions are stupid.
But the man who played for Australia and has coached Canberra, the Broncos, St George, Queensland and Australia – and who has even provided coaching advice to Kiwis head Stephen Kearney – will front up to help raise cash for the four charities selected by the trust – Allergy New Zealand, Diabetes Auckland, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and Macular Degeneration New Zealand.
"It's an honour to have Bennett and this is also a change of format for us," says Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust chairman Peter Leitch QSM.
Normally the trust events are lunches but the June 4 event will be held at night and will also feature comedian Ben Hurley and Dancing with the Stars entertainer Shane Cortese and his five-piece band.
The gala event includes cocktails from VnC, a delicious three-course meal with complementary drinks from Lion Breweries and Glengarry Wines who are sponsorship partners of the event with The Radio Network, Edwards Sound and Sentra Printing.
This is a great opportunity to get your company to take a table to entertain clients and staff while supporting four worthy causes.
A signed Armstrong jersey and a signed Ali boxing glove have been secured for the Wayne Bennett dinner at Ellerslie Convention Centre on Friday, June 4.
The two items are just part of an astonishing array of goodies to be auctioned to raise funds for a number of charities at the Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust dinner.
Also under the hammer on the night will be a framed Australian Rugby League Anzac jersey signed by the Kangaroos and a framed New Zealand Rugby League jersey signed by the Kiwis as well as many other items including some spectacular artwork and fine wine.
Bennett is the world's most successful league coach ever, but is famous for his silence. He rarely grants interviews, frequently gives as short an answer as possible and never hesitates to tell media if he thinks their questions are stupid.
But the man who played for Australia and has coached Canberra, the Broncos, St George, Queensland and Australia – and who has even provided coaching advice to Kiwis head Stephen Kearney – will front up to help raise cash for the four charities selected by the trust – Allergy New Zealand, Diabetes Auckland, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and Macular Degeneration New Zealand.
"It's an honour to have Bennett and this is also a change of format for us," says Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust chairman Peter Leitch QSM.
Normally the trust events are lunches but the June 4 event will be held at night and will also feature comedian Ben Hurley and Dancing with the Stars entertainer Shane Cortese and his five-piece band.
The gala event includes cocktails from VnC, a delicious three-course meal with complementary drinks from Lion Breweries and Glengarry Wines who are sponsorship partners of the event with The Radio Network, Edwards Sound and Sentra Printing.
This is a great opportunity to get your company to take a table to entertain clients and staff while supporting four worthy causes.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
CNIB holding Shades of Fun event to raise awareness on protecting eyes
By Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post
REGINA — These days, the sun's harmful rays aren't top of mind, but the Canadian National Institute for the Blind hopes everyone wears wild and wacky shades — at least on top of their heads on Thursday.
Across Canada, the CNIB is holding Shades of Fun — an event to raise awareness about the need to protect eyes from damaging UV rays and raise money for the vital services the organization provides the visually impaired.
"In Saskatchewan, the Minister of Health designated the month of May Vision Health Month and the mayor of the City of Regina has designated (Thursday) as Shades of Fun day," said Susan Mooney, the CNIB's associate director of services and operations for Saskatchewan.
"Get your sunglasses on and at the same time have some fun while you're doing it. And, if you can, raise some money for CNIB.
"People can have a dress-down day and come to work with their shades on and kick in a couple of bucks — whether you wear your shades on your head or you've got them on their face."
Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over 50.
All proceeds from Vision Health Month will fund services that include counseling, vision aids, computer training and free access to the CNIB Library.
"From helping people learn how to live independently in their homes and do their cooking and cleaning to learning how to travel independently," Mooney said. "Sometimes, you see the long, white cane, but there are other people who just need extra help when they're losing their vision. They can't see the bus sign, they can't see across the street or they're feeling uncomfortable. They can come to the CNIB and our staff will help them gain some skills."
Aids, such as a monocular, help the visually impaired see the bus number or see the walk light across the street, she said.
"When you first are losing vision, and for some time afterward, having the opportunity to talk to somebody is important so we have counselors in Saskatchewan who you can talk to about how you're managing and how you're feeling," Mooney said.
You don't have to be blind to access CNIB services, you can self-refer and there's no charge.
CNIB offices in Regina and Saskatoon offer employment counseling to people who begin to lose their vision in their working years, Mooney said.
"We also go out and work in communities across the province," she said. "When you support an activity like Shades of Fun and you wonder where your money is going, part of it is helping Saskatchewan residents, regardless of where they live, to access the services of CNIB."
REGINA — These days, the sun's harmful rays aren't top of mind, but the Canadian National Institute for the Blind hopes everyone wears wild and wacky shades — at least on top of their heads on Thursday.
Across Canada, the CNIB is holding Shades of Fun — an event to raise awareness about the need to protect eyes from damaging UV rays and raise money for the vital services the organization provides the visually impaired.
"In Saskatchewan, the Minister of Health designated the month of May Vision Health Month and the mayor of the City of Regina has designated (Thursday) as Shades of Fun day," said Susan Mooney, the CNIB's associate director of services and operations for Saskatchewan.
"Get your sunglasses on and at the same time have some fun while you're doing it. And, if you can, raise some money for CNIB.
"People can have a dress-down day and come to work with their shades on and kick in a couple of bucks — whether you wear your shades on your head or you've got them on their face."
Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over 50.
All proceeds from Vision Health Month will fund services that include counseling, vision aids, computer training and free access to the CNIB Library.
"From helping people learn how to live independently in their homes and do their cooking and cleaning to learning how to travel independently," Mooney said. "Sometimes, you see the long, white cane, but there are other people who just need extra help when they're losing their vision. They can't see the bus sign, they can't see across the street or they're feeling uncomfortable. They can come to the CNIB and our staff will help them gain some skills."
Aids, such as a monocular, help the visually impaired see the bus number or see the walk light across the street, she said.
"When you first are losing vision, and for some time afterward, having the opportunity to talk to somebody is important so we have counselors in Saskatchewan who you can talk to about how you're managing and how you're feeling," Mooney said.
You don't have to be blind to access CNIB services, you can self-refer and there's no charge.
CNIB offices in Regina and Saskatoon offer employment counseling to people who begin to lose their vision in their working years, Mooney said.
"We also go out and work in communities across the province," she said. "When you support an activity like Shades of Fun and you wonder where your money is going, part of it is helping Saskatchewan residents, regardless of where they live, to access the services of CNIB."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Blind man and his mate cycle from Sydney to Melbourne for Macular Degeneration
Legally blind Sydney man Matt Formston and his friend Scott Williamson are currently cycling from Sydney to Melbourne to raise awareness and money for Australia's leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss, Macular Degeneration (MD).
MD is a degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. Although it is generally age-related and most often affects those aged over 50, Matt, a 31-year-old business analyst, was diagnosed with MD at just five years of age. He now lives with only 5% vision but has never let this stop him achieving his goals.
Matt and Scott will cover a gruelling 1,200 kilometres over their 13-day journey, cycling along the east coast of Australia. The pair will donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation, the leading charity working to reduce the incidence and impact of MD in Australia.
"Living with MD for the past 26 years has been all about overcoming adversity in all aspects of my life. The ride to Melbourne will be a physical and mental challenge in itself. To do this as a legally blind individual adds a whole new level of difficulty. I want to show people that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible, no matter what challenges you may face," Matt said.
"I will just have to follow Scott and trust that he is not going to ride out in front of a truck! As long as I can see the back tire of his bike in front of me, I will be able to focus on that and follow wherever he takes me. I will also rely on Scott letting me know what's coming up like big hills, sharp turns and pot holes.
"Raising money to support a Foundation that is proactively supporting the Australian MD community is something that's extremely significant to me. I'm really looking forward to this challenge and I know that it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," he said.
CEO of the MD Foundation Julie Heraghty said: "I have so much admiration for what Matt and Scott are doing. Not only is Matt challenging himself in such an amazing way, but the generosity of spirit the two friends have displayed by choosing to donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation is truly inspirational. I wish both of them the best of luck on their journey."
Scott said at first he was nervous about the idea of riding with someone who is legally blind. "Our biggest hurdle is going to be communication and making sure we have a mutual understanding. This will require honesty to ourselves and each other at all times.
"Since I started training for the ride I've also been exercising my mind to be more aware of some obstacles on the road that I may not have noticed before. Cycling with Matt and having the opportunity to raise money for the MD Foundation is something I couldn't pass up," he said.
Matt and Scott's journey began at 7am on Thursday 12 November at the Sydney Opera House, a very fitting location given that the national icon's architect the late Jørn Utzon had MD himself in his later years. Matt and Scott will be blogging about their experiences along the way and will end their trip in Melbourne, arriving at Federation Square on Tuesday 24 November at 4pm.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
MD is a degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. Although it is generally age-related and most often affects those aged over 50, Matt, a 31-year-old business analyst, was diagnosed with MD at just five years of age. He now lives with only 5% vision but has never let this stop him achieving his goals.
Matt and Scott will cover a gruelling 1,200 kilometres over their 13-day journey, cycling along the east coast of Australia. The pair will donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation, the leading charity working to reduce the incidence and impact of MD in Australia.
"Living with MD for the past 26 years has been all about overcoming adversity in all aspects of my life. The ride to Melbourne will be a physical and mental challenge in itself. To do this as a legally blind individual adds a whole new level of difficulty. I want to show people that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible, no matter what challenges you may face," Matt said.
"I will just have to follow Scott and trust that he is not going to ride out in front of a truck! As long as I can see the back tire of his bike in front of me, I will be able to focus on that and follow wherever he takes me. I will also rely on Scott letting me know what's coming up like big hills, sharp turns and pot holes.
"Raising money to support a Foundation that is proactively supporting the Australian MD community is something that's extremely significant to me. I'm really looking forward to this challenge and I know that it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," he said.
CEO of the MD Foundation Julie Heraghty said: "I have so much admiration for what Matt and Scott are doing. Not only is Matt challenging himself in such an amazing way, but the generosity of spirit the two friends have displayed by choosing to donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation is truly inspirational. I wish both of them the best of luck on their journey."
Scott said at first he was nervous about the idea of riding with someone who is legally blind. "Our biggest hurdle is going to be communication and making sure we have a mutual understanding. This will require honesty to ourselves and each other at all times.
"Since I started training for the ride I've also been exercising my mind to be more aware of some obstacles on the road that I may not have noticed before. Cycling with Matt and having the opportunity to raise money for the MD Foundation is something I couldn't pass up," he said.
Matt and Scott's journey began at 7am on Thursday 12 November at the Sydney Opera House, a very fitting location given that the national icon's architect the late Jørn Utzon had MD himself in his later years. Matt and Scott will be blogging about their experiences along the way and will end their trip in Melbourne, arriving at Federation Square on Tuesday 24 November at 4pm.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Monday, November 9, 2009
Ray Romano And Kevin James Charity Golf Classic
The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic, which will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California, will benefit the advancement in vision science at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.
The celebrity tournament is an annual event hosted by television and film stars Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Ice Age) and Kevin James (The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop). Each year, Romano and James choose a cause to support that is close to their hearts. Funds raised by this year’s golf tournament will support the research and treating of such debilitating vision diseases as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.
“My scientific team and I greatly appreciate Ray and Kevin for choosing The Scripps Research Institute as the beneficiary of this year’s golf tournament,” said Martin Friedlander, who is a professor at Scripps Research and a practicing ophthalmologist at the Scripps Clinic. “The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic’s contribution will be dedicated to research on stem cells for retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration patients.”
Scripps Research is a leader in the discovery and application of biomedical breakthroughs that improve human health.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
The celebrity tournament is an annual event hosted by television and film stars Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Ice Age) and Kevin James (The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop). Each year, Romano and James choose a cause to support that is close to their hearts. Funds raised by this year’s golf tournament will support the research and treating of such debilitating vision diseases as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.
“My scientific team and I greatly appreciate Ray and Kevin for choosing The Scripps Research Institute as the beneficiary of this year’s golf tournament,” said Martin Friedlander, who is a professor at Scripps Research and a practicing ophthalmologist at the Scripps Clinic. “The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic’s contribution will be dedicated to research on stem cells for retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration patients.”
Scripps Research is a leader in the discovery and application of biomedical breakthroughs that improve human health.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Inaugural Birmingham VisionWalk
Inaugural VisionWalk in Birmingham
on Saturday, November 21, 2009
at Homewood Central Park.
Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. and the Walk will start at 10:00 A.M.
The event will raise money for the research that will lead to cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, and numerous others. These diseases affect more than 10 million Americans of all races and ethnic groups, young and old.
Please bring your entire family to join in on the fun and excitement. We will have various activities for people of all ages, including a DJ, face painting, Kids’ Zone, and a bounce house. We will also have plenty of snacks and refreshments, a creative team spirit contest, fun announcements, and much more.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
on Saturday, November 21, 2009
at Homewood Central Park.
Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. and the Walk will start at 10:00 A.M.
The event will raise money for the research that will lead to cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, and numerous others. These diseases affect more than 10 million Americans of all races and ethnic groups, young and old.
Please bring your entire family to join in on the fun and excitement. We will have various activities for people of all ages, including a DJ, face painting, Kids’ Zone, and a bounce house. We will also have plenty of snacks and refreshments, a creative team spirit contest, fun announcements, and much more.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Group gives 'world of help' to couple coping with dementia Group gives 'world of help' to couple coping with dementia
By Ann Sperring
Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance. Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance.
A pervasive darkness is wedging itself into the life and loves of Dick Robertson. It is attempting to pry loose the bonds of his marriage of 56 years to his childhood sweetheart and engulf his 78 years of learning.
The darkness throws its shadows into every aspect of Dick and Sarah Robertson's lives and will not retreat from the brightest light man or medicine can shine. Dick Robertson - husband, father, grandfather, Korean War veteran, retired accountant and strapping 6-foot tall man - is slowly being separated from his world as dementia erases his memories and recall function.
Sarah Robertson, her husband's primary caregiver, has macular degeneration nibbling her vision away.
The Robertsons attend one of eight Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance for Education and Support Inc. support groups scattered throughout the county. While the caregivers meet, volunteers engage the clients in activities to stimulate their brains.
A fundraiser to benefit the alliance is being held Saturday at the Florida Horse Park. The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event includes a cricket match between area physicians and a local cricket team, an antique car show and a silent auction. Admission is $10, and door prize tickets are $1 each.
In addition to support groups, the alliance provides care consultations and helps family members learn about resources and community support.
According to Terrie Hardison, founder and director of the local alliance, each diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia means a caregiver support team of three to five people will be required.
"Lives are going to be changed and demands placed on families that may not match their expectations," she said. "The more knowledge people have, the better their coping skills."
At the Robertson home, two brains are challenged. Dick has to be Sarah's eyes to read prescriptions; she has to recall when he is supposed to take them.
Sarah Robertson said she has found a "world of help from Terrie and the services she and her husband provide. I would be overwhelmed if it were not for the support groups I attend, the knowledge I have acquired, the friends I have made and the comfort of knowing help is a phone call away."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance. Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance.
A pervasive darkness is wedging itself into the life and loves of Dick Robertson. It is attempting to pry loose the bonds of his marriage of 56 years to his childhood sweetheart and engulf his 78 years of learning.
The darkness throws its shadows into every aspect of Dick and Sarah Robertson's lives and will not retreat from the brightest light man or medicine can shine. Dick Robertson - husband, father, grandfather, Korean War veteran, retired accountant and strapping 6-foot tall man - is slowly being separated from his world as dementia erases his memories and recall function.
Sarah Robertson, her husband's primary caregiver, has macular degeneration nibbling her vision away.
The Robertsons attend one of eight Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance for Education and Support Inc. support groups scattered throughout the county. While the caregivers meet, volunteers engage the clients in activities to stimulate their brains.
A fundraiser to benefit the alliance is being held Saturday at the Florida Horse Park. The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event includes a cricket match between area physicians and a local cricket team, an antique car show and a silent auction. Admission is $10, and door prize tickets are $1 each.
In addition to support groups, the alliance provides care consultations and helps family members learn about resources and community support.
According to Terrie Hardison, founder and director of the local alliance, each diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia means a caregiver support team of three to five people will be required.
"Lives are going to be changed and demands placed on families that may not match their expectations," she said. "The more knowledge people have, the better their coping skills."
At the Robertson home, two brains are challenged. Dick has to be Sarah's eyes to read prescriptions; she has to recall when he is supposed to take them.
Sarah Robertson said she has found a "world of help from Terrie and the services she and her husband provide. I would be overwhelmed if it were not for the support groups I attend, the knowledge I have acquired, the friends I have made and the comfort of knowing help is a phone call away."
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
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