Above: Artie Poggi
When Artie Poggi was diagnosed with glaucoma, he expected good care from the doctors who treated him. They recommended laser surgery as a solution. But the results were devastating – his vision got worse, and he became frustrated and disillusioned. “I just got disgusted,” he says. “And I stopped taking my medicine.” Artie’s health began to fade, and he suffered congestive heart failure. “I was supposed to die,” he admits. Artie survived, but losing most of his vision forced him to close the three florist shops he owned. He then fell into a deep depression.
That’s when a friend of Artie’s told him to go to Lighthouse International. “I called and the social worker told me, ‘I know you’re scared and nervous, but I promise you, help is on the way.’ And I’ll tell you, it really was.”
Artie worked with the doctors at Lighthouse on controlling his glaucoma. He also worked with a Lighthouse Orientation and Mobility specialists to learn how to travel independently and maneuver around his home. “It wasn’t until I went to the Lighthouse that I got good care,” relates Artie.
For people like Artie, your gift to Lighthouse International can mean a new lease on life – an immensely meaningful gift to a person with vision loss.
Your gift today can help people of all ages with vision loss live a happy, fulfilled life. Please give generously today.
