I write about my life, and my experiences living with vision impairment. 

Thanks to everyone who generously supported our fundraising drive to buy more Icares for the Icare lending library at Duke Eye Center!  We just received an email from Dr. Sharon Freedman:
I am happy to report that three boxes of Icare units have arrived and are sitting in my desk, waiting to be opened and put into use with the lending library!
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Special thanks to Mr. John Floyd, the General Manager of Icare USA, and Dr. Sharon Freedman, for making the lending library a succes, and for helping so many other families to control their kid's glaucoma.

For this year's Winter Break, I was fortunate to go to Park City, and have daily lessons with the National Ability Center. I’m terrified of skiing down a steep slope, and as a beginner, all slopes seemed steep to me. The first day, I stayed on the magic carpet for most of class, and the slow pace felt good. The 2nd day, I was on the beginner chair, and then a more advanced chair. I went on a short blue run, and was not sure I could do it. I kept pushing forward. On the 3rd day, my instructor Eric said his mission was to get me to trust my equipment over the next few days, and to stop being afraid. No fear allowed! ​

Our Valentine's Party last weekend was lots of fun!   We had fun decorating cookies and making Valentine’s cards, and several other arts and crafts projects. I also taught some of the kids how to make duct tape roses and origami hearts.  It was awesome to see the people who came get to know one another. ​

Dr. Sharon Freedman, shows Karen Crozier how to use a tonometer with her son Quinn Crozier at the Duke Eye Center. Sarah Smale raised money to buy a library of tonometers. The instruments, which are used to check glaucoma pressures, will be loaned out to other patients to bring home.
Shawn Rocco/Duke Health

​A few months ago, I posted some of the art I created, using watercolor pencils and pastels I got for Christmas.  Since then, I have experiemtned with many styles, and got lots of practice during my fundraising art-a-thon.  Recently, I have enjoyed drawing anime and My Little Pony.  Follow me on Deviant Art and Instagram. 

Picnic in the Park June 30, 2016 by SarahRoseS
On June 18th, the weather turned cold and gloomy. Heavy rain lashed down, and I hosted a picnic in the park. Not the best timing. I rented a small building on the edge of the playground in a local park, where I brought crafts and food for everyone.
The playground outside had three climbing rocks, swings, spinning ropes, and lots of space to play in. After most of the people had arrived,  three other kids and I decided to go outside to play hide and seek, even though it was still raining on-and-off.  A small gathering of parents and kids ate, talked, made beautiful art, walked around the park, and played outside. 
My picnic in the park was a definite success, and it was tons of fun to run!

Last Sunday, I spent the whole day doing art to raise money for Saving Kids' Sight.  I loved coming up with ideas, and putting them to paper, for a great cause.  The Art-A-Thon was so successful that I continued to draw through the week, adding some whimsical subjects as well.  Over $900 has been raised, which is awesome! ​