VIPS

The numbers are in! Last week on our Day of Giving, you donated $34,753.78 to help kids in Kentucky and Indiana who are blind or have low vision. Thank you so much for support. We so appreciate it.

And, yes, we got our numbers a little mixed up during the photo shoot, but we were having a good time.

Today's Milestone Monday comes from Ashley Emmons, Kentucky O&M specialist. She recently met with Noah and his family at the park to introduce him to using a pre-cane. The pre-cane helps Noah preview his path by detecting surface changes and obstacles as he explores new outdoor environments. While using the pre-cane, Noah was able to explore the park more confidently and navigate the area more safely. Way to go, Noah! You got this.

Thank you so much for your support yesterday during our Day of Giving. Your support means more children in Kentucky and Indiana will receive the support they need. We'll be back next week with a final report.

And if you missed it yesterday, you can still donate. Just visit https://loom.ly/60BKVL8

We are quadrupling down! Make your gift between now and 11:59 pm and quadruple your impact! A very generous matching donor has agreed that every dollar given this evening will be matched 3:1, turning your $25 gift into $100 for VIPS.

We have a long way to go to reach our goal today, but with your help, we'll get there. Click here to donate: https://givebutter.com/2026-vips-day-of-giving-rylbga

A Day of Giving, A Lifetime of Success!

The impact of your gift is real. Kacey shares how VIPS helped Sonny thrive.
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We knew Sonny had Dandy Walker Syndrome by the time I was 20 weeks pregnant, but I had no idea that would have any effect on his vision.

The day after he was born, we were told that there was a build up of blood behind his right eye, and they diagnosed him as visually impaired that very day. About a month into Sonny's life he had surgery to drain the blood behind his eye, and unfortunately, that had to sever the connection from his retina on his right eye.

Sonny spent 75 days in the NICU. During that time we met with an OT and PT, but never a VIPS therapist. We were told by a social worker and Sonny's neurologist before leaving the hospital how crucial getting into VIPS would be, and we were lucky enough to have a therapist start coming out within a month of Sonny coming home.

The first visit was a little nerve wracking for Sonny, and he put himself to sleep, but after that initial session he really started warming up to his therapist and participating in sessions more.

By the time Sonny was almost 2, VIPS had made a HUGE difference for Sonny as far as reaching for toys, and actually pulling them close to his good eye. One of my favorite moments with VIPS was when they introduced him to the red octopus toy and he was absolutely amazed! He also loved playing visual games with his therapist as well!

Today, Sonny is thriving. He now recognizes loved ones and his favorite toys, something the doctors never thought would be possible. He knows loved ones and absolutely loves when anyone reads books to him. He also LOVES Bluey and will do almost anything to watch it with his good eye.
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Your donation today ensures that more kids like Sonny receive the services they deserve. https://loom.ly/60BKVL8

The impact of your gift is real. Tomasa, Angelito's mother, shares how her family found their way to VIPS.
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Angelito is a sweet little boy that came into this world with only a 20% chance of survival. Born at 23 weeks, he spent his first 664 days in the hospital before coming home for the first time. There were so many challenges and the added issue of his delayed development. Possibly the most devastating news was when we were told of his cortical visual impairment (CVI) and knowing that he may never see my face.

We were informed that he could benefit from CVI therapy. That’s when we saw a flyer from VIPS, offering the early intervention Angelito so desperately needed.

Angelito’s TVI is Emily Johnson and she has been wonderful from day one. He has seen great improvement in tracking and holding visual attention, and continues to improve each day.

We are so grateful to VIPS. Emily and VIPS have made such a difference in our son’s life, and ours too.
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Your donation today ensures that more kids like Angelito receive the services they deserve. https://loom.ly/60BKVL8

Our Day of Giving Kickoff Cookout is happening now at 1906 Goldsmith Lane. We’ll have burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks and will be open until 1 pm. All for a $7 suggested donation. C'mon down!

Need directions? Click here https://maps.app.goo.gl/ujih87Bb1mxKjFvU6

Learn more about our Day of Giving https://loom.ly/lx0GaVI