Research

Twenty-five years ago, not many people had heard of Macular Degeneration. Vision loss was simply contributed to the aging process � you were losing vision because you were getting older. As time went by, Macular Degeneration was referred to as �Senile Macular.� Eventually, it became known as �Age-related Macular Degeneration.� There was no cure and very little treatment available. Physicians began using laser on Wet Macular Degeneration. In many cases it caused scarring and more vision loss. Antioxidant vitamins and protective sunglasses were suggested. Visudyne injections and a cold laser that prevented scarring represented a huge breakthrough.

So much research is being done in the U.S. and in many foreign countries, not just for Retinal diseases but for Corneal Transplants, Glaucoma, and Cataract Surgery. There are many new treatments just over the horizon and with hope and prayer there maybe a cure or prevention for many of these diseases.

 

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Letters

We would like to share with you some of the letters that we have received from our friends during the last twenty-five years. They have inspired us, encouraged us, and helped us in many ways. Letters of support are extremely valuable to an agency that must constantly seek funding to support programs and services. To those who have taken the time to pen something to us over the years � THANK YOU!

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A Sight-Loss Services Memoir

(by Anne B. Davidson) 

Where have all the years gone since I walked into the Sight Loss Services office as a volunteer in 1984? June and I hit it off immediately, and we've both been around since then.

First, I labeled folders (teacher's printing), then I filed. When computers came on the scene, Laura was the competent one, so I moved on to become a volunteer driver.

I made friends on trips between Hyannis and West Dennis where the group met. The job went on to include visiting members in the hospital and nursing homes, addressing Christmas cards, and handing out cups of water while others did the Canal Walk to benefit SLS.

There were fund-raising concerts and dinners to enjoy. Most exciting of all was my receiving the first Ambrose Addis Award in 1989 for �Outstanding Volunteer Service.� And way back, years ago now, I graduated to become the �Go For� girl for my much-loved Brewster group. I had worked with them for some time before I became ill and was forced to take a leave of absence, but I made it clear that anyone who filled in for me was a �temp.� That group was MINE!

And I did recover and go back. I made many more friends down the line. Some are gone but certainly not forgotten. There has always been concerned listening, important changes, tears, and much laughter.

I have learned so much about overcoming difficulties, having a great spirit, being capable and independent, sharing, and most of all, being friends � real friends.

My years with SLS have been times of becoming more educated and having an all-around sense of satisfaction and real joy.

So take care, dear friends. Be well and feisty, and be there for each other. I thank you for everything and salute each of you.

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June 6, 2004

From Ludmila Siegendorf

 

Sight Loss Services:

Thank you for being there when I most desperately needed consolation at the time that I was told I was legally blind.

The comfort, information and services offered by Sight Loss Services reduced my anxiety immeasurably and enabled me to cope with this devastating problem. I thank you all very, very much.

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June 24, 2003

From Joseph W. Gramer, M.D.

 

Dear Ms. Wenberg,

I am writing this to express my feelings about the services rendered by Sight Loss Services. I have been attending the monthly meetings of this group for several months. In that period of time I have been able to associate with a group that is very understanding and sympathetic with my affliction. One can learn so much from another especially if he or she has gone down the path before. An unknown path is all fine and good at some stages in life but not when one is coping with a potential loss of one's vital senses. Under the able leadership of June Wenberg it is a most friendly and productive group. I am grateful to her for her recent help in what was to me a potential sight-threatening situation. Had it not been for her guidance, advice, and calming manner I would not be here tonight writing this letter. I would hereby like to express my profound hopes that the funding for this service be continued and even augmented if it is at all fiscally feasible. I cannot reiterate enough the help, friendship, and support that this service has rendered to me in changing my visual status. Too, it has proven to be an excellent source of rehabilitation help and information.

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January 12, 1997

Laura J. Mysliwiec

 

If it were not for the assistance of the Sight Loss Services of Cape Cod , my daughter would still be blind in her left eye. She was hit by a golf club in 1994. The globe of her eye was split open and she lost all sight but her peripheral view in that eye. She had a traumatic cataract that needed to be removed and there was uncertainty of a retinal detachment present.

This created a dilemma because there were many different opinions as to whether or not the detachment existed. Should we, shouldn't we operate? For without removing the cataract, the uncertainty remained of the detachment; but to remove the cataract may cause further damage to the retina. BUT to do nothing created the risk of total loss of sight in that eye.

Sight Loss Services guided me through this very lengthy, step-by-step journey to the recovery of my daughter's eye. They answered many questions and concerns I had. They referred me to choices of specialists. There was always someone there to discuss each problem as I encountered lots of opposing opinions. Sometimes, all this good support and direction would give me the strength and confidence I needed as a working mother to go on and get that opinion, appointment, operation, or whatever.

After much research through the office's help, my daughter had that operation. Although she still has one more operation to go, she has regained much of her reading sight, and her eye is secure that she will not go completely blind in that eye. The prediction is that soon, with this next operation and the help of her prescribed glasses, she may see 20/20 again.

We are most grateful to the help of Sight Loss Services of Cape Cod , for without their help we would have never known where to begin.

Please be generous in considering donations and funds to be allocated to this very valuable organization. I am sure that I am just one of many whom Sight Loss Services has helped.

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May 1, 2003

Richard J. Kingston

 

Just a note of thanks for your organization. Last September, I was invited to attend a meeting. At first I was reluctant to admit that I had a sight problem. The October meeting really hit home. We were given a sun visor that read �October is White Cane Month.� Now that I attend regularly I find that I am not alone not being able to read the newspaper, phone book, or restaurant menu.

All I can say is that I am glad there is such an organization. Keep up the good work.

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July 14, 1999

Margaret Mason

Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled

 

Dear June,

I have been back to work for five months now after not working for four years. When I first started attending your support group, I was at the lowest point in my life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I felt very much alone and isolated. I was very apprehensive about attending your group. But for me it has been a very positive experience. The caring ways of you and your staff helped me to rebuild my self-esteem and made me feel useful again. Your group, or should I say our group because each member has such strong empathy and such caring for each other, made such a difference in my life. By attending my support group I gained my spirit back. I began to realize that my blindness was not a barrier but a challenge to learn new ways to do old things. You are a positive role model and continue to be a source of information and education for people who have vision problems. The group comes from such diverse populations, yet we all identify with each other. Being a member of this support group has been an honor and a privilege. They gave back to me. As a member of our group I realized I had just lot my sight not my mind and heart. I had lost sight of the fact that I had the ability to help others, to listen, to make a difference in their lives, and to make my own choices. The group as a whole encouraged me to seek employment and realize my talents to help others. Today I work for C.O.R.D. as a vocational rehabilitation/independent living advocate. I love my job, I love my group, and thanks to you, your staff, all the members of my support group, and even my driver, Bob Dean, for never giving up on me and encouraging me to reach for the stars. I will continue to attend my group because there are so many people out there who just need that bit of encouragement. My group is my other family.

I have only just begun to fulfill my dreams. I enjoy working with you now as a colleague. You continue to be a source of strength for me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you and your agency have done for me. You not only talk the talk but you walk the walk.

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April 15, 1997

Dr. Michael G. Morley, M.D.

Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston

 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in support of Sight Loss Services. Sight Loss Services is an invaluable resource to visually impaired Cape patients and their physicians.

Blindness is a catastrophe that shatters the lives of affected patients. To successfully adapt to blindness, a patient must have access to information about their disease and how it will impact their lives. Patients need to know about financial and social support systems, low vision devices, and how to lead an independent and fulfilling life despite blindness. Sight Loss Services provides a centralized source for this information. In addition, patients need emotional support during the period when they are coping with their new blindness. Sight Loss Service coordinated supports groups for patients who are facing blindness. The simple fact of knowing that one is not alone in facing blindness is extraordinarily comforting to a patient. Providing information and support to patients characterize the important mission of Sight Loss Services.

As an ophthalmologist, I have seen many patients face the prospects of blindness. Attending to the medical aspects of their disease is important. However, the difficult job of teaching patients to adapt to blindness requires much more than can be delivered in a doctor's office. This is where Sight Loss Services is so helpful and why their work is so important. There is literally no other agency capable of providing these services to the large (and growing) visually disabled population on the Cape . They perform a superb service to the Cape and Islands community.

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May 23, 2004

Dorothy Berry 

Dear Sight Loss Services,

After being diagnosed with wet Macular Degeneration and losing all central vision in one eye, I realized that as an R.N. I had no understanding of eye disease and needed any information available.

Since joining the Eastham Sight Loss group I have been educated as to current encouraging research, healthy eye care, and availability of helps for each situation. I have met and bonded with others, each coping with a unique eye problem.

June Wenberg is a gifted facilitator as she teaches vital information and encourages each person to share. She cares deeply about each of us.

June directed me to an eye specialist in whom I have great confidence.

We, on Cape Cod , are blessed to have the resources available at Sight Loss Services. Congratulations for the many years of service to the community.

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