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Meet Jenna
My name is Jenna – I am 36 years old, mum to my sweet baby daughter, I work as a Speech Pathologist specialising with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and four months ago I became a client of Guide Dogs SA/NT after losing my sight.
Earlier this year, I was healthy, kicking goals in my career, and enjoying spending time with my daughter. And then I caught a virus.
I got very sick and went to hospital – I had Meningitis caused by enterovirus which damaged my visual cortex.
I woke up and suddenly couldn’t see. I thought that the room was really dark, but actually it wasn’t the room, it was me.
I was referred to Guide Dogs SA/NT and I’m so grateful that they were able to see me so quickly, they made me feel like someone was listening and taking the fact that I couldn’t see seriously.
Someone to turn to
In the past few months, I have received a functional vision assessment, Orientation and Mobility services, funding support, and my family has had Human Guide Training. Before this, I wouldn’t have left the house by myself at all. Now, I can go to the shops by myself and take my daughter to the park. The support from Guide Dogs has given me a lot of confidence.
When I lost my vision it felt like a bit of an ending but now I am looking forward to everything to come, including raising my daughter, getting back to work, and continuing studies for my PhD! I’m moving on with all the sorts of goals I had before, I’m just learning different ways to get there.
I don’t know where my vision is going to end up, it’s still really hard but I feel like I can do it. I know that I will be fine because if I need help, I have Guide Dogs to turn to.
Guide Dogs SA/NT provides support for people of all ages and levels of vision, regardless of their funding arrangements. By making a donation today, you are providing freedom, safety and confidence for people like me.
Watch Jenna in action!
Your contribution will enable us to provide independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing for people like Jenna.
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