Vision for Lindell (Señor) Saloom
Donation protected
In 2000 any one of Lindell Saloom's students would tell you that "Señor" was the best Spanish teacher around. That somehow he could also speak in other languages that weren't part of the curriculum. That at the beginning of every class he would play the keyboard and lead us in Spanish song with the same how-is-he-this-happy gusto as the day before. And a year later he was still the best, still playing the keyboard, still everything. One thing had changed, however: by 2001 Lindell had lost most of his vision.
After several trips to Emory University Hospital and a specialist in Connecticut, Lindell was diagnosed with irreversible optic neuropathy. Still, he would teach for several more years after his diagnosis until finally stepping down in 2008, when, after thirty-three years as a teacher, Lindell's problems with vision in the classroom had become too much to bear.
Since Lindell's early retirement, he has continued to help former students and young people, particularly those in need of housing and living expenses despite his own very serious financial difficulties. Lindell and his wife, Sharon, have opened their home to many young adults over the years, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
My name is Brandon Andrews, and I was one of those students in the early 2000s who saw Lindell's world change drastically. Recently, a few of us learned about a device called eSight, electronic glasses that can help the visually impaired see. After a little research, we discovered that Lindell's particular condition made him the perfect candidate! Thanks to former student Brian Atkins, Lindell was able to obtain the eSight glasses on a trial basis. After video chatting with a specialist who helped Lindell calibrate the glasses, he was able to see for the first time in eighteen years. Imagine what that's like?
Over the next few days Lindell regained so much of what he had lost. You know all those little things we do without even thinking, the visual information we process so passively while our mind is elsewhere? These experiences were now Lindell's milestones and he treasured every one. He sent me a short video to describe his amazing experience:
A few more things Lindell accomplished in just a few short days with his eSight glasses: reading foreign languages (he especially wants to tune up his German!), watching television instead of just listening, playing board games/cards and seeing his new puppy, Rafael.
Now that the test glasses have been returned and Lindell is again left with only a memory of what it's like to see, we want to get those glasses back so that Lindell can get his life back.
Our goal is to raise $7525, which will cover the glasses, a battery backup and two years of warranty. Any funds that exceed this amount will be donated to Blind Children's Center, a charity that focuses on the development and education of visually impaired children from birth through second grade.
Please share this link on social media or, if you're old school, tell friends and family about Lindell's need the old fashioned way. If you're a former student, then you were probably ALL IN as soon as you landed here. If you don't know Lindell personally but are touched by the story of a teacher who has given so much and taken so little, please consider a donation and don't forget to share the link.
Now that Lindell has used the glasses and they worked, failing to get them back would simply be unjust. We can do this. Maybe we can't right every wrong in the world, but we CAN help Lindell get his vision back. Let's come together and help Señor because you know he'd do the same for you!
#SightforSeñor
After several trips to Emory University Hospital and a specialist in Connecticut, Lindell was diagnosed with irreversible optic neuropathy. Still, he would teach for several more years after his diagnosis until finally stepping down in 2008, when, after thirty-three years as a teacher, Lindell's problems with vision in the classroom had become too much to bear.
Since Lindell's early retirement, he has continued to help former students and young people, particularly those in need of housing and living expenses despite his own very serious financial difficulties. Lindell and his wife, Sharon, have opened their home to many young adults over the years, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
My name is Brandon Andrews, and I was one of those students in the early 2000s who saw Lindell's world change drastically. Recently, a few of us learned about a device called eSight, electronic glasses that can help the visually impaired see. After a little research, we discovered that Lindell's particular condition made him the perfect candidate! Thanks to former student Brian Atkins, Lindell was able to obtain the eSight glasses on a trial basis. After video chatting with a specialist who helped Lindell calibrate the glasses, he was able to see for the first time in eighteen years. Imagine what that's like?
Over the next few days Lindell regained so much of what he had lost. You know all those little things we do without even thinking, the visual information we process so passively while our mind is elsewhere? These experiences were now Lindell's milestones and he treasured every one. He sent me a short video to describe his amazing experience:
A few more things Lindell accomplished in just a few short days with his eSight glasses: reading foreign languages (he especially wants to tune up his German!), watching television instead of just listening, playing board games/cards and seeing his new puppy, Rafael.
Now that the test glasses have been returned and Lindell is again left with only a memory of what it's like to see, we want to get those glasses back so that Lindell can get his life back.
Our goal is to raise $7525, which will cover the glasses, a battery backup and two years of warranty. Any funds that exceed this amount will be donated to Blind Children's Center, a charity that focuses on the development and education of visually impaired children from birth through second grade.
Please share this link on social media or, if you're old school, tell friends and family about Lindell's need the old fashioned way. If you're a former student, then you were probably ALL IN as soon as you landed here. If you don't know Lindell personally but are touched by the story of a teacher who has given so much and taken so little, please consider a donation and don't forget to share the link.
Now that Lindell has used the glasses and they worked, failing to get them back would simply be unjust. We can do this. Maybe we can't right every wrong in the world, but we CAN help Lindell get his vision back. Let's come together and help Señor because you know he'd do the same for you!
#SightforSeñor
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandon Andrews
Organizer
Macon, GA
Lindell Saloom
Beneficiary