“No need for sight when you have a vision.”
This motto is from an American
track and field Paralympic athlete named Lex Gillette. As a child, he
experienced retina detachment in both eyes and was ultimately left without
sight. Yet even though Lex was unable to see, he didn’t let this stop him from
achieving his dream. He won a silver
medal from the 2012 Paralympic Games, a world championship and gold medal in
the long jump for the USA in 2013. These incredible achievements were all accomplished
not with his sight, but by having a vision.
As a member
of the Delta Gamma Fraternity, Lex Gillette’s story really impacted me. Delta
Gamma’s philanthropic purpose is Service for Sight and helping the visually
impaired. As a member, I volunteer at the Braille Institute and participate in
events pertaining to helping the visually impaired. I am continually surprised when attending
these events how much people with vision disorders can impact me. Hearing their
life stories and how they have overcome difficulties is so inspirational to me.
Because of
Lex Gillette and Delta Gamma’s philanthropic purpose, I found myself as an
intern for the Vision of Children. A
couple years ago, a vision disorder was something I never even thought
about. I was very naive about visual
impairment because it wasn’t ever a part of my life. Yet now, two years later, I am having a blast
as I learn new things and am giving part of myself to help the blind and visually
impaired. Whenever I come across stories like Lex Gillette’s, it simply amazes
me and brings me such happiness knowing that I can be involved with a
foundation that focuses on helping the visually impaired.
-
Kayla, a VOC Intern and student at San Diego State University
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