“Deliverance came when I decided to get off the floor….” – CVI Client & White Cane Awareness Day Featured Speaker Angela Smith
The 2024 White Cane Awareness Day at the Center for the Visually Impaired was a celebration of perseverance, reflection, determination, and strength. This year’s welcome began with CVI President Lisa Kennedy announcing that Gia Pergolini, 2x Paralympian Gold Medalist in swimming who represented the United States in Tokyo and Paris, will be the 2025 recipient of the Sarah Woolf CVI Spirit Award Honoree at Night Visions 2025! This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a courageous spirit that inspires others.
This set the stage for an afternoon filled with powerful testimonials from clients Rosa Allen, Angela Smith, Chetta d, James McMann, and Hollie Ahmed. James shared his plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Disability Services from the University of Chicago. The themes of hope and support radiated through all the journeys shared.
The event concluded with a heartfelt thank you to long-time peer support group leader and former Board trustee, Mr. George Acey. George is the first CVI recipient of a challenge coin, which is presented to someone who has led CVI with independence, dignity, and a commitment to service. The challenge coin was presented to him by Board member and women’s peer support group leader, Bridgette Suttle. Video highlights from White Cane Day 2024 can be found on the CVI YouTube Channel and will be posted on CVI social media pages throughout the month.
CVI is grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and hear our clients’ inspiring journeys to independence.
