[Massachusetts-NFB] Member To Member - Getting to Know Each Other

[ladyshirl519 at gmail.com]

Thank you so much, Bronwen! You did a great job with the interview and writing all about me! This is fabulous!
Thank you, Adam for your kind words!

Warmly,
Shirley Dorris
President, Cambridge chapter NFB/MA

615-598-5020-Cell
617-819-4632-NFB/MA
Ladyshirl519 at gmail.com-Email

“Walk by faith not by sight”COR 5;7

> On Dec 21, 2025, at 4:20 PM, Adam Roberge via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Bronwin, that was a great peace on Sherly.
> She has been outstanding over the last couple years I known her with kindness and is a go getter as president of the Cambridge Chapter.
> She is always I willing to help out when she can.
> Adam
>  
>  
> From: Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Bronwen Tedesco via Massachusetts-NFB
> Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2025 2:48 PM
> To: massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Bronwen Tedesco <bronwen.tedesco at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Massachusetts-NFB] Member To Member - Getting to Know Each Other
>  
> Today we are going to get to know Shirley Dorris, board member and president of the Cambridge chapter. Shirley was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey then lived in East Keansburg, New Jersey. When she was thirteen, she moved to Portland, Tennessee. She often enjoyed camping with her family on weekends. When she graduated from high school, she went on to work in her father’s restaurant, where she worked for 28 years and had children along the way.
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> Shirley was introduced to blindness from an early age because her dad was blind, as well. She later learned that she and her dad shared the same eye condition: cone rod dystrophy. She realized something stood out when she was driving home with her daughter in the car, the sun was shining, she couldn’t see, and pulled over and called her husband. That was when she went to the eye doctor resulting in her diagnosis. In 2014, the birth of a grandchild brought her to Waltham, Massachusetts, where her journey with blindness continued.
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> Shirley received orientation and mobility training through the commission in 2021. When reflecting on that experience, she said, “It really changed my whole world. It made me the independent person I am today.” She was also part of a support group through the Carroll Center. In 2022, Shirley was introduced to the NFB when there was talk of going to New Orleans and was told in order to go, she needed to join the NFB. Her motivation and enthusiasm resulted in her continued involvement being nominated to serve on the board, then later becoming the Cambridge chapter president. When asked if there was any advice she had for anyone who recently lost their vision or joined the NFB, she said, “Don’t think your life has ended because you lost your vision. In some cases, it is just beginning. Get involved in all the blind communities you can. We are all here to learn from one another.” Shirley currently remains in Waltham where she lives independently and enjoys traveling, listening to music, hanging out with family and friends, volunteering at the infant-toddler program at Perkins as well as the Carroll Center. It’s been great getting to know you, Shirley, and stay tuned for our next Member to Member!
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> Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! Can't wait to learn about more of our members in the coming year!
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> Sincerely,
> 
> Bronwen
> 
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