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Mason
"I’m walking in honor of Mason. Mason has been a fighter since he was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia—making him completely blind—and multiple disabilities. Mason has attended Blind Children’s Learning Center since he was a baby. He inspires everyone he encounters with his perseverance and many gifts. He can play the piano and has even learned Taylor Swift songs by ear. He can count to 50—in Spanish. In the past year and a half, Mason’s ability to walk with minimal assistance increased tenfold thanks to physical therapy at BCLC. As a first grader at BCLC, one of Mason’s main goals is to recognize letters and short words in Braille. Will you help me make that possible for Mason?" |
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Ethan
"I’m walking in honor of Ethan. When Ethan’s parents found out he was blind, they were in shock. But they didn’t hesitate, and Ethan began receiving in-home services through BCLC when he was just three months old. Now in preschool, Ethan receives an adaptive education and therapy services to help him develop healthily and find success. It was a huge accomplishment when he started walking and using his mobility cane to navigate. Ethan’s parents hope that in the next year, Ethan will be able to complete the Destination Independence 5K Walk on his own, using the skills he gained at Blind Children’s Learning Center. Will you help me make that possible for Ethan?" |
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Marianna
"I’m walking in honor of Marianna. Marianna’s visual impairment and other diagnoses have created extra obstacles in her early years. Her parents were initially in denial before accepting that they needed to figure out how to get Marianna the support she needs to succeed early in life. For the last three years, Marianna has grown her independence and curiosity at Blind Children’s Learning Center. She’s exploring her surroundings more confidently, building friendships, and growing her communication skills. In the next year, Marianna’s parents hope that she will learn to swim. Will you help me make that possible for Marianna?" |
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Hope
"I’m walking in honor of Hope. Hope’s family heard about a young girl in China who was blind and needed a home. By her third birthday, she was in the United States and a part of the Phillips family. Hope spent her foundational years at Blind Children’s Learning Center, where she blossomed socially and academically. Her favorite memory is being with friends in the daily living skills class, which she still attends. Hope is a sixth grader, and her dreams have grown since she started at BCLC. She is determined to be an independent adult, juggling professions as a dentist, choir teacher, and spin instructor. Will you help make that possible for Hope?" |
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Sophia
"I’m walking in honor of Sophia. At eleven months old, Sophia was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. By age two, Sophia was declared cancer free, but the process left her blind, with multiple disabilities. But cancer didn’t take Sophia’s determination. And every day, Sophia works towards her independence at Blind Children’s Learning Center. Once immobile, Sophia now laughs as she walks, runs, and learns to use her mobility cane. Once lacking any communication skills, Sophia is getting better at articulating words and letters to communicate her needs. She loves the tactile learning she does with her teacher, becoming more engaged with early academics every day. Will you help Sophia continue to succeed on her remarkable journey?" |
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Isaiah
"I’m walking in honor of Isaiah. Isaiah’s mom couldn’t figure out why her newborn baby wasn’t looking at her. When she found out that her son was blind, she didn’t hesitate to get him the help he needed. That’s when they found Blind Children’s Learning Center. Isaiah has received services home-based and at the Center’s preschool ever since, where his confidence and vocabulary skyrocketed. Isaiah’s parents are thrilled that he overcame his fear of exploring new environments. In the next year, they hope his vocabulary will continue to expand and that he will become even more sociable with peers. Will you help make that possible for Isaiah?" |
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Jack
"I’m walking in honor of Jack. Jack’s mom thought his visual diagnosis was “no big deal” because Jack isn’t completely blind. It wasn’t until he missed early milestones that his mom realized that Jack’s visual impairment was keeping him from developing like most children. Jack received his foundation at Blind Children’s Learning Center and his now an independent junior in high school. Jack gave back to the Center by mentoring younger children. His mom, Jaimie, gave back to the Center by founding the Destination Independence 5K Walk in 2005. In the next year, Jack will apply to colleges and begin his life as an independent adult. They hope the same will be possible for other children with visual impairments. Will you help make that possible?" |
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Katie
"I’m walking in honor of Katie. Katie was diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment as a baby. When the doctor shined a light in Katie’s eyes as a baby, there was no reaction. Blind Children’s Learning Center intervened to present objects in a way she could understand. Katie lit up and became motivated right away. Her teachers continued working with Katie to maximize her limited vision. She attends BCLC, where she is making incredible social and developmental progress. As a Kindergarten student, will you help Katie as she continues on her journey to independence?" |
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Diego
"I’m walking in honor of Diego. Diego has a few challenges he is overcoming: cortical visual impairment, 1p36 deletion syndrome, and cerebral palsy. At first, Diego’s parents didn’t have much hope. Now, he gets around with a walker, uses a tricycle, and is improving his communication and the use of his limited vision. Diego’s family walks for him, too, because they have seen him benefit from the services and adaptive curriculum at BCLC. They are especially proud that he’s learning to use his limited vision, such as by tracking objects and recognizing people visually. In the next year, his parents hope he will learn to use a communication device effectively. Will you help make that possible for Diego?" |
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Jasmine and Jaber
"I’m walking for Jasmine and Jaber. These siblings are a dynamic duo, sharing a visual impairment and precocious personality. Jasmine is a kindergarten student, and Jaber is now in third grade. Jaber’s diagnosis—characterized by severe and progressive vision loss—initially shocked his parents. When Jasmine was born with the same diagnosis, their parents reacted differently. “We didn’t have fear, we had hope. We knew BCLC would help our daughter the way they have helped Jaber.” They each continue to receive services through BCLC and astound everyone with their success. Each are using Braille and mobility canes beyond expectations. There is no denying their potential, but they will still need specialty services to become fully independent. Will you help make that possible for Jasmine & Jaber?" |
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EVENT DETAILSDate Saturday, May 12, 2018 Time 7:30am | Check-in begins 8:30am | Pre-walk ceremony 9:00am | Walk begins 10:00am | Lunch and party Location Blind Children's Learning Center 18542-B Vanderlip Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705 Registration Standard Adult Registration - $50 Includes official walk t-shirt Ages 7+ Rockstar Registration - FREE Commit to raise $500; receive official walk t-shirt if raised by April 27, 2018 Child Registration - Free Ages 6 and under Use Standard Registration to receive official Walk t-shirt |
“Doctors kept our son alive, but Blind Children’s Learning Center gave him life. They gave us hope. We can never repay them for what they have done for our family. Our goal now is to make a difference for other children with visual impairments and their families.”
-Jaimie Haver, Parent and Walk Founder |
