Loss of sight didn't crush Kansas mother, 'I’ve learned how I can continue living my best life'

Ashley Mizell
·2 min read

October marks the start of Blindness Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to and educate others about the blind and visually impaired community.

For me, this is a daily task. I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune disease that led to the loss of my vision.

The day of my diagnosis is one I’ll never forget. The doctor said: “I’m sorry, there’s literally no hope for you. You’re not going to be able to read to your boys again.”

Within the span of three to four weeks, I had lost my vision. I was devastated, but knew I needed to be strong for my family and for myself.

Once I received my diagnosis, and started adapting to my new normal, I found that others in my community didn’t know a lot about the visually impaired community. I decided I needed to share my story to help educate and inspire others.

So, I started with posting videos on Facebook and Instagram about my story and how I do “simple” things such as making my morning coffee or the creative ways I play catch with my kids. Eventually, the posts took off and my accounts have amassed over 470,000 followers between Facebook and Instagram.

Through sharing my story on social media I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured on "Dr. Phil" and "The Dr. Oz Show," speak at the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired annual convention, and raise money for two stem cell treatments that are the beginning of the long journey to restore my vision.

While my channel has been a positive outlet for me, it has also helped so many realize that a diagnosis like mine doesn’t mean your life is over. I will say it hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies, but I’ve learned how I can continue living my best life while being there for my family and kids.

I hope this month, Kansans take a little time to learn about the blind and visually impaired community and the ways they can help people like me in their community.

Ashley Mizell is a Kansas mother and content creator who and is educating people about the blind and visually impaired. She spoke last month at the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired convention.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Loss of sight from Sarcoidosis didn't crush Kansas mother's best life