Hello!

I hope this finds you well. We are just back from sunny California and home to the snowy world of Pennsylvania! Really wasn't ready for that shift! The Glaucoma Research Foundation's annual gala, including the art show and silent auction, was simply spectacular! More on that in the next newsletter. This month I'd like to feature artist Terri Wemlinger, who contributed a children's book and original illustration to the event. Both items were very well received. I am encouraged to hear about her journey as a glaucoma patient after getting proper treatment, Terri been able to maintain her vision and remain stable.

From Terri Wemlinger, her journey in her own words, below.

"Having been nearsighted all my life, I got my first pair of glasses in 5th grade. Thank goodness the teacher alerted my parents when I was having trouble seeing the blackboard.

Around the age of 30, I was diagnosed elevated eye pressures and was sent to a glaucoma specialist. Deeply in denial, I decided I didn't really need to use eye drops for about 5 years. This resulted in optical nerve damage in my left eye, discovered years later at the age of 63. With the help of my glaucoma specialist, I tried many drops and found one that lowers my pressures well. Having had SLT laser surgery in the left eye, I am hopeful to keep stable as long as possible. Some days my eyes are blurry, burn and become easily tired, but I am able to see 20/20 with corrective glasses. 

After learning about my deteriorating vision, I decided to jump back into art. Before I got married, had children and dealt with life's trials and tribulations, art was my passion. I now wanted to create something lasting for my grandson. Drawing cute animal illustrations with pen and ink led me to produce an illustrated children's book of ABC's. My grandson was my inspiration back into the world of art that I loved and missed so much.

I hope you enjoy these illustrations through my interpretations. My wish is that you are inspired to try your own hand at creating. The joy is in the journey and it's much more fun traveling with company. My vision is nowhere near as bad as some and I will forever be grateful for the sight I still have today.

Please check out my Instagram account @terri_bobarey_art for more of my illustrations. I am hoping to get my book published soon and will announce when it's available for purchase. Thank you to Pat Caulfield and Sandra Hise for introducing me to Visually Impaired Artists Worldwide Facebook group. I am honored to be part of the group with so much talent! This year I was also excited to be included in Glaucoma 360 with the Glaucoma Research Foundation's art show and and silent auction. My donation to the event was an original unicorn illustration and a completed book.

Wise words from one of my favorite artists Bob Ross- "Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do."

Enjoy the journey in love and light, 
- Terri Wemlinger"

Thank you so much Terri for contributing your story. It is such an inspiration to hear of someone who has managed their glaucoma through regular eye exams and treatments. Yes, there is hope.