FamilyConnect®: A Parent's Voice Archives

Peter’s Tale of Triumph and Batten Disease

Posted on June 11, 2024 - 10:46 am by Melissa Schenkel

Peter holding the book, "Marshmallow and Peter"

Beth’s world shifted dramatically when her son, Peter, at just six years old, was diagnosed with Batten disease. “Honestly, I was overwhelmed learning that there was no treatment or cure. My sweet boy would slowly lose all of his abilities,” Beth recounts. The diagnosis was much to digest. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Beth […]

A Sweet Job Teaches This High School Student Valuable Skills

Posted on February 22, 2024 - 10:50 am by Amy Lynn Smith

A young adult smiling outside in front of a red farm truck.

Qiao Angermeier and her mother, Rhonda, admit that Qiao has always enjoyed taking on challenges. “I don’t like just sitting around doing nothing,” says 17-year-old Qiao. Qiao is a talented musician, especially at the piano, and is on the girl’s wrestling team at school. “If there’s something to be done, I want to get it […]

APH FamilyConnect Parent Advisory Board: When Personal and Professional Roles Merge

Posted on January 9, 2024 - 10:59 am by Amy Lynn Smith

For Amy Shepherd, M.Ed., transitioning her career from teaching in elementary school to being a resource for students who are blind or low vision. Most recently joined the APH FamilyConnect Parent Advisory Board – was the direct result of her son Austin’s vision. Now 23 years old, Austin was shaken as a baby by a […]

Rosie the Resilient

Posted on December 4, 2023 - 4:12 pm by Melissa Schenkel

Child holds a Curious George stuffed animal in an eyeglass shop.

At just five days old, Rosemary faced a daunting battle when she contracted bacterial meningitis. Her grandmother, Angela, recounted their harrowing experience, “She went to the pediatric ICU, where she nearly died and had to undergo a bilateral craniotomy to treat the infection that had walled itself off in her brain.” Rosemary’s odds were grim […]

Raising a Child Who is Blind to Know She Can Do Anything

Posted on October 9, 2023 - 4:33 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

Child holds pink cane; adult smiles and wraps arm around child.

Brielle Buzzard is a smart, charming, and enthusiastic eight-year-old who loves reading, math, and music. She’s learning to play piano, ukulele, and drums and especially enjoys the drums. Brielle loves swinging on swings, playing with her four-year-old brother, Thomas, and caring for her black Labrador, Lambo. When people learn that Brielle is blind, they often […]

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