Help me access life-changing assistive technology

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

My name is Ebony Thompson, and I am reaching out for your support as I navigate a challenging chapter in my life. I am currently 39 years old, and at the age of 32, I suddenly became legally blind. When I lost my vision, I was left with little more than light perception. Initially, my medical professionals assured me that my vision loss would be temporary. However, two months later, on August 24, 2017, I learned that my vision loss was permanent. In that moment, I felt as if my life had come to a standstill.

The simple joys of life—watching television, cooking, and even using my cell phone—became distant memories. I was devastated. Thankfully, assistive technology and adaptive aids entered my life, helping me regain some independence. With tools like screen readers on my devices and audio menu features for my TV, I started to reclaim a sense of normalcy.

One of my greatest joys was sharing time with my children—watching movies, playing board games, and diving into video games together. One of my proudest moments was beating three 13-year-old boys in Mortal Kombat back-to-back! Those experiences brought laughter and connection, and I long to have them back.

Recently, I discovered a remarkable piece of assistive technology: the Patriot ViewPoint. This revolutionary device costs nearly $4,000 and allows me to read text from across the room and even spot my mom in a crowded area.

Description and Features of the Patriot ViewPoint:

- OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Enables me to read printed text aloud, making it easier to engage with written material.

- Long-Range Reading: Allows me to read text from a distance, enhancing my ability to interact with my environment.

- Compact and Portable: Designed for easy transport, so I can take it anywhere I need to go.

- User-Friendly Interface: Simple controls that make it accessible and easy to use, even for those with limited experience with technology.

I am currently studying Human Services, where I have discovered my passion for advocacy, leadership, and public speaking. I am striving to be my best self to help enrich the lives of others, whether they are suffering from disabilities or not. My goal is to inspire and uplift those around me, and I believe that having access to the Patriot ViewPoint will enhance my ability to do just that.

However, the cost of the Patriot ViewPoint is beyond my current financial means. I am humbly asking for your help to make this life-changing purchase. With your support, I can regain my visual independence and significantly improve my quality of life.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring me closer to my goal, and your generosity will have a profound impact on my life and my ability to connect with my children and my community. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. With your help, I can take a significant step toward a brighter, more engaging future!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ebony Thompson

[Optional: Add a personal photo of yourself with your children or doing something you love to create a connection with potential donors.]