New year brings more hope for Walasia Vinson

Diane Turbyfill, Shelby Star
Updated ·2 min read
Walasia Vinson, a cancer survivor who eventually went blind, makes colorful jewelry for sale at her table outside Sims Grocery on Buffalo Street in Shelby Friday afternoon, March 4, 2022.
Walasia Vinson, a cancer survivor who eventually went blind, makes colorful jewelry for sale at her table outside Sims Grocery on Buffalo Street in Shelby Friday afternoon, March 4, 2022.

It may not have been in a box under the tree, but one local woman got the gift of a lifetime ahead of Christmas.

Twenty-two-year-old Walasia Vinson has faced many challenges since being diagnosed with cancer in 2012. But a new, unexpected one changed her life two years ago when she lost her hearing.

“The hearing took us really by surprise,” said her mother, Sheila Harris.

Harris attributes the hearing loss to radiation treatments, and the shock was exacerbated by a fall in which Vinson suffered a concussion.

Harris said her daughter was distraught and confused, and they worked out ways to communicate as best they could.

Vinson, already blinded by tumors found with her cancer diagnosis more than a decade ago, is returning to her old self, according to her mother.

The change is thanks to a cochlear implant that has enabled her to hear out of one ear.

Thanks to technology, the Lawndale woman can talk on the phone and once again communicate with people more easily.

According to Harris, the hearing is different using the devices, but it’s restored that connection to her daughter.

“Every time I call, and she hears me, it’s a miracle,” she said.

Colorful jewelry made by Walasia Vinson foe sale at her table outside Sims Grocery on Buffalo Street in Shelby Friday afternoon, March 4, 2022.
Colorful jewelry made by Walasia Vinson foe sale at her table outside Sims Grocery on Buffalo Street in Shelby Friday afternoon, March 4, 2022.

Vinson told her mother she had to get used to the sound of her own voice again.

Vinson’s implant was activated in late September, and they’re hopeful that she’ll get a second one this year.

Through the battles, the mother-daughter team has spoken with people throughout the community including a local podcast.

Vinson continues to run a small business, Spirit of Beads. She makes necklaces, rings, keychains and the like.

The duo typically sets up booths in the community or sells the jewelry online but soon will have their wares for sale at Rivers Edge Gallery in Lawndale.

Her creations are meant to inspire hope and healing. Those efforts recently were recognized by awards from the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Business Development Center’s Minority Enterprise Development week.

Harris said her daughter’s perseverance is inspiring.

“I feel for her not having the life that young people have, but she does for other young people,” she said.

She said she’s also grateful for the medical team at the UNC Implant Center that has helped provide some normalcy back to her daughter’s life.

“I thank God for them,” she said.

Spirit of Beads can be found on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: New year brings more hope for Walasia Vinson