SupportSight Cleveland

Articles about the Cleveland chapter of SupportSight:

The Red Umbrella

Who would have thought that a red umbrella could make such a difference in peoples' lives? There wasn't even a trace of rain, and yet when that umbrella opened up, endless possibilities of hope and support opened up as well.

I am referring to the red umbrella that Lea Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation, opened as a beacon to those who were interested in forming a Cleveland Macular Degeneration SupportSight. A SupportSight that would be committed to enhancing the quality of life for macular degeneration patients and their families and loved ones.

My mother is legally blind with no sight in one eye and limited sight in the other. Thanks to information received through my mother's retina specialist, Dr. Hernando Zegarra, we attended the kick-off meeting on December 1, 2001 where Dr. Singerman, Dr. Zegarra and others made presentations on macular degeneration. At the conclusion of that meeting, I met Lea under the red umbrella and will be forever thankful that I did.

As a result of meeting Lea, my mother and I joined with others who were interested in helping to form a SupportSight in Cleveland. Through the planning sessions and the first SupportSight meeting on February 6, 2003, we have met so many wonderful people whose presence, experiences, and ideas have enriched our lives.

We were astounded to see an overwhelming turnout of approximately 225 people at the February meeting. Even more incredible was the warmth of caring and sharing present in this large group that made the interactions between those in attendance seem intimate. It has been a powerful experience to meet those affected by macular degeneration and see their strength of spirit, resourcefulness, and willingness to share ideas with others.

I am so grateful to have found Lea and the special, red umbrella that December day in 2001. The outcome of that connection has made me certain that showers of enriching experiences lie ahead of patients, their families and loved ones who become involved in the Cleveland Macular Degeneration SupportSight.

—Susan