At Wider Circle, we know that connection can transform lives—especially during difficult times.

We recently celebrated Healthy Vision Month at Wider Circle and wanted to share Sharon’s story. After losing her sight to diabetes and glaucoma, Sharon felt isolated and uncertain about her future. But everything changed after she joined her first Wider Circle virtual event—she found support, purpose, and a sense of community. She hasn’t missed a call since.

Now, Sharon is attending in-person events, sharing her journey, and preparing to return to work. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in darkness, connection can help us find the light.


When Sharon lost her vision due to diabetes and glaucoma, everything changed. Daily life became a struggle, and with it came deep feelings of isolation. She was only leaving home for doctor appointments, and the world around her felt smaller than ever.

But that began to shift when Sharon joined a Wider Circle virtual event.  From the very first call, Sharon felt connected – not just to the health information, but to the warmth of the community. 

What started as one call became a lifeline. Sharon hasn’t missed a single virtual event since she joined. “I love the information they share, the activities, and especially the warmth of the community on the virtual calls,” Sharon said.

Sharon is very conscious of her carb intake with her diabetes, and said “the virtual calls encourage me to maintain discipline in my dietary habits”

With the support of her family, Sharon’s sisters and grandchildren brought her to an in-person event – where she was welcomed with open arms and felt empowered to share her story.

Her newfound community gave her the strength to begin pulling herself back up again, and venture back out into the world and leaning on her community for support when she needed it. 

When she needed to find a new eye doctor and was scared of the process, and her Wider Circle community engagement specialist, Rhonda Jackson,  helped Sharon get connected to a new eye doctor that same day.

While Sharon’s vision hasn’t changed, her outlook has transformed completely. She’s getting out more, attending Wider Circle events regularly- including a movie day with her grandkids – and even enjoying outings like a trip to the zoo.

Wider Circle is the icing on my cake,” she said. “It’s helped me accept this journey and reminded me I’m not alone.”

Being able to get out of the house and go to Wider Circle events,  At a virtual event this week, Sharon told her group that Wider Circle “inspired me to go back to work”. She has enrolled in a computer class to learn computer skills that don’t require vision, and is planning on returning to to work in a few months. 

As Rhonda said, “She’s living proof that when people feel supported, they begin to thrive.”

Sharon’s story is a powerful reminder that vision isn’t only about sight – it’s about seeing what’s still possible, even in the darkest moments. And with the right community, we can all find our way forward.

Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your journey and showing us how connection can light the way – no matter the obstacles. And thank you to our sponsors for helping make stories like Sharon’s possible every day.

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About the author: Jamie Zale

Wider Circle