Denise’s Story

My name is Denise and I am a 31 year old mother of three. I was diagnosed with Stargardts when I was 16. My vision deteriorated very quickly. I went through drivers ed and by the time I went for my license, I couldn’t pass the test. This devastated me, but I never let anyone know how hard it was.

I just tried to graduate high school with no hopes of a career, my guidance counsellor told me I would not be able to do anything. I think I made life harder on myself because I never let people know how bad my vision was.

I have been married for 9 years to a wonderful man. I am learning to read braille and have found talking books wonderful. I have had mobility training, but I still feel too embarrassed to carry my cane. I am afraid people will see me as an unfit mother. I have had a hard time accepting this disease, but I try to look at the bright side. I can “see” more than fully sighted people. We don’t have the superficial garbage to deal with (that is not to say I don’t miss it from time to time). 😉

I have been to this site a number of times over the years and never submitted a story because it is too hard for me to type. You don’t gain if you don’t strain, though……right?

I am here to help or be helped……anytime.

Denise Hornung
E-mail: DDRealm@sbcglobal.net