My name is Sue. I’m a married mother of four and a proud grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren.
A few years ago, though, I felt completely lost.
After eight eye operations, I was told I was legally blind. I couldn’t see what my future was going to look like and, honestly, I didn’t know where to turn.
I remember ringing a couple of organisations for help. The first question they asked was, “Are you on the NDIS?”
When I said no, I was told to come back when I was. I hung up feeling even more alone.
Then my doctor suggested I call Guide Dogs SA/NT.
I didn’t even realise they helped people before they had a Guide Dog. I thought they were just about the dogs.
When I called, they simply said, “Yes, we can help you.”
I can’t tell you what those words meant.
Finding my confidence again
Before I had any funding in place, Guide Dogs SA/NT was already there for me.
They taught me how to use a white cane and, little by little, helped me realise I could still get out into the world and do what I wanted to do. Later, they even helped me apply for the NDIS.
At first, I hated using the cane. I only wanted to practise inside my own home because I was embarrassed about being seen using it.
But my instructor never gave up on me.
One step at a time, my confidence grew. I finally started getting out and about and back into my community. I started to feel more like myself — my new self.
Learning that I needed to be proficient with the cane to have a Guide Dog was my motivation to keep going. It was the carrot, so to speak.
Then I met Lumi
Lumi hasn’t just changed the way I get around. She’s changed the way I feel.
With Lumi beside me, I don’t feel trapped anymore. I feel confident. I feel safe. I trust her completely, especially after dark.
She’s also full of personality. Every morning she wakes me with a wagging tail and a reminder that every day is worth looking forward to.
When I think back to how frightened and alone I felt, it’s hard to believe how much my life has changed.
Today, I’m out with friends, exploring new places, travelling with my husband and making plans for the future again.
Guide Dogs SA/NT gave me so much more than a Guide Dog.
They gave me the support I needed when nobody else could. They gave me back my confidence. And they opened up a whole new world.
I know there are other people facing the same fear and uncertainty I once felt. With the right support, they too can find greater confidence, independence and hope for the future.
Help someone hear the words that changed my life
Your generosity can help Guide Dogs SA/NT continue providing life-changing services and support to people living with low vision or blindness: so when someone like me reaches out for help, we can be there to say: “Yes, we can help you.”
