The Blind Reality

Lulu is an amazing gift who has impacted my life in so many positive ways. Her kind heart, happy nature and innate intelligence are truly remarkable. Becki shares a glimpse into the positive impact that Lulu, Becki's guide dog, has made on her life. Listen to a touching conversation between Becki and Lulu’s puppy raiser, Jack Clarkson.

My life was changed with a single phone call. The excitement that came along with hearing I had been matched with my future guide dog was incredible. But, learning to walk the walk was definitely more complex than I had anticipated. Join Becki for an informative conversation with her amazing guide dog instructor, Karen Hanlon.

"Sometimes it is easier to try and ignore an issue rather than face it head on. That is, until you accidentally walk right into it. The decision to get a guide dog was something I considered for years. Join Becki as she talks about applying for a guide dog and, ultimately, taking the next big step. Becki is joined by her Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Lisa, for a conversation. "

Have you ever felt alone, or as if you were the only one experiencing a bumpy road? You are not alone. Becki shares some common human experience moments you are sure to relate to. Also, join Becki as she chats with her 15-year-old nephew, Jagden, as he shares his thoughts and experiences.

Feeling like you have lost your voice and place in the world can be overwhelming. Trying to establish who you are once again can be a challenge. Join Becki as she talks about how she learns how important communicating and speaking up is. Becki is joined for a conversation with Andy Frank, who has become a mentor.

"Has your day ever started out heading in one direction and then, without any notice, it suddenly flips and leads you someplace totally unexpected? Listen in as Becki shares when this happened to her. What seemed like a scary transition ended up being a pivotal moment that introduced her to a new, key person in her life. Join Becki for a special conversation with Dr. Jeff Judelson, her cornea specialist."

Dr. Raul Garcia has been a medical constant in Becki‘s life for nearly 30 years. He has been there through it all and, as a result, his impact has been immense. Listen in as Becki talks about her vision journey, and her conversation with her team captain, ophthalmologist and retina specialist Dr. Raul Garcia.

How do you decide that today is the day to step forward and finally let go of the past? How do you make those big, permanent decisions that are intertwined with so many emotions? Becki talks about her thoughts, feelings and the decision-making process that allowed her to decide to have her unsighted right eye permanently removed. Join Becki for a conversation with her ocularis, Jon Koroscil.

Becki talks about the security she felt under the care of her long-term pediatric specialist. She also shares her experiences transitioning away from these familiar professionals and into an unfamiliar adult world. Becki is joined by her long-time pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Alan Rosenberg. Don’t miss this touching conversation.

In this episode, Becki explores moments from her childhood, including surgeries, school and learning to navigate the medical world from a young age. Becki is joined by her longtime paediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Ken Romanchuk, for a heartfelt conversation.

From the moment we wake up each day, we make choices. Some are bigger than others, requiring more time and contemplation before stepping forward. Join Becki as she explores some of her choices that she has made during her vision loss journey. Becki is joined by her dad, Cal, to talk about some of his thoughts and experiences.

Becki reflects back to her childhood, sharing the day she was originally diagnosed with JRA, uveitis and glaucoma. And, as Becki looks back at her past, she contemplates her future. Becki‘s brother, Travis, joins the conversation and shares some childhood memories.

Becki considers returning to work as a Registered Nurse, but will it be possible? There is no easy way around it, there's a mountain of boxes that need to be checked, hours of learning and years of acceptance to be faced. Listen in while Becki considers all of her options. Also, meet Becki‘s teacher and friend, Calynda.

Becki shares moments that made her realize change was inevitable, including humorous moments that nudged her out of her comfort zone on the road to redefining herself. Meet Becki‘s friend, Ashley, as they discuss navigating life as blind/partially sighted women.

Friendships can truly be a valuable asset regardless of your life‘s circumstances. Join Becki as she talks about some special friends who have impacted her life. Meet Becki’s other best friend, Valene, as she joins the show to share some of her insights.

Parenting is hard. Parenting when you are blind or partially sighted is a whole other game. Becki shares personal moments as she was learning to be a partially sighted mom, and we meet Bennett, her 10-year-old son, who is her inspiration.

Fear and loneliness feel insurmountable until courage is found. Becki begins to explore what life is going to be like moving forward, and we meet Becki's best friend of 26 years, Erin. This episode may leave you reconsidering some of those old clothes you have kept over the years.

Becki's perseverance continues when she is once again faced with adversity. Join Becki as she experiences a pivotal moment in her vision loss journey and listen to heartfelt moments shared by Becki‘s mother-in-law, Jewel.

Following the loss of the rest of her sight, Becki found herself hospitalized and facing the prospect of surgery that wouldn't restore her sight for certain. Luckily her husband Brad was with her.

On August 23, 2013, Becki Zerr experienced a traumatic loss of vision. While Becki had some vision all her life, this event would change her life forever. Becki recounts this day and we'll hear from her mother about how this has affected her life.