<div dir="auto">thank you so much! \U0001f60a</div><div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 6:00\u202fPM Maryanne Melley via CT-NFB <<a href="mailto:ct-nfb@nfbnet.org">ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left-width:1px;border-left-style:solid;padding-left:1ex;border-left-color:rgb(204,204,204)">You did a wonderful job Merly! Especially since it was your first time doing the birdies for charity. It took strength and stamina to carry out such a successful campaign. $2080 is quite an achievement for your first go round and I truly believe that next year you will surpass your goal of $2500. I am so proud of you and so glad I got to meet you again at the lunch for Lucia. Keep up the good work and I will see you at the state convention.<br>
<br>
Best regards,<br>
<br>
Maryanne Melley<br>
President <br>
National Federation of<br>
the Blind of Connecticut<br>
860-212-5549<br>
<a href="mailto:maryanne.melley@gmail.com" target="_blank">maryanne.melley@gmail.com</a><br>
<br>
A dream does not become reality through magic: it takes sweat, determination and hard work<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
> On Jun 27, 2025, at 5:01\u202fPM, Merlz B. via CT-NFB <<a href="mailto:ct-nfb@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br>
> <br>
> \ufeffHello, everyone. It\u2019s Merly once again. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and supported me throughout this journey. I am especially grateful to those who guided me and believed in our vision.<br>
> <br>
> I have had many roles throughout my career, specializing as a hairstylist and in marketing. Before my health issues arose, I felt unstoppable. Things were coming together, and I was moving toward my goals. Despite facing numerous obstacles, I remained focused, dreaming of becoming a celebrity hairstylist or a renowned paralegal. My career path has included selling makeup, working as a hairstylist, dealing with gas and electricity suppliers in New York, handling accounts receivable and accounts payable, and becoming a certified CNA. However, the many jobs I held made it difficult for me to find my footing and feel secure.<br>
> <br>
> My health issues took a toll on my emotions, contributing to feelings of sadness and depression, as well as moments of happiness. I dropped out of high school at 17 but made several attempts to return. Ultimately, I managed to earn my high school diploma in 2022. During a challenging six-month period, I was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, papilledema, and legal blindness. Despite these challenges, I\u2019ve come to appreciate those who crossed my path. I see the difficulties we face and continue to face as a community, and celebrate the strength and greatness within us.<br>
> <br>
> During Travelers Week, I am thrilled to share that we raised $2,080. Our goal was $2,500, and in my head, I believe we hit the goal lol. Although I was nervous during our iHeart Radio interview, I still took the moment of bravery to speak on the national federation<br>
> Of the blind CT. I am confident that we will surpass our target by this time next year, and I will be ready for future interviews, so I\u2019m leaving that moment of nervousness and fear far behind. Even though I started late, I\u2019m proud to say that we finished on time. Thank you all for your support!<br>
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