When Charlotte was born in July 2005, my husband, Jamie, and I quickly
learned that the support of our friends and family is a precious gift. Charlotte was diagnosed with congenital cataracts in both eyes and had
her first surgery when she was 13 days old. She developed glaucoma in both eyes and has had numerous trips to the OR. She began
wearing contact lenses at 4 weeks but switched to glasses and patching
a year later to help correct her vision. It has been, and continues to
be, a tumultuous journey but one we would not trade for the world.
I was also born with cataracts and was diagnosed with glaucoma at age
three. The technology has advanced greatly and the prognosis for
Charlotte is much better than mine was in 1978. I am visually impaired and
lost my right eye to glaucoma in 1997. However, that has never stopped
me from reaching my goals, one of which was to start 4Sight.
We could not have endured the struggles without the support of friends
and family. We quickly realized that we, ourselves, had the personal
and professional experience necessary to support others in similar
situations. We felt a need and a responsibility to help others and it
brings us great joy and fulfillment.
While the support of family and friends is vital, there is nothing like
the encouragement of others who have been in the same situation. I was
lucky to have both. Friends and family were not only there with their
unconditional love but they also were able to provide us with the
wisdom they had gained from their personal experiences with me.
It is my hope that 4Sight will provide that same support to families in
the same way that we have been helped. We are here with open arms,
listening ears, and sympathetic hearts to those in need.
Meghan Wismer, M.S.W. President, 4Sight Jamie, Meghan, and Charlotte Wismer (12/08) Dr. Joe Calhoun at the Wismers' wedding (06/03)
