[Massachusetts-NFB] Updated RE: From your affiliate president

[sharawinton at gmail.com]

               Thanks, Everyone. ❤️ 

I just want to let y’all know that typing, answering the phone, or doing anything that involves the upper half of my torso is extremely painful, and I am not supposed to be doing these things. So, please forgive me if I do not respond to messages or calls promptly. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

I also want to clarify what happened during my accident because this is what made it so traumatic. I was not navigating the stairs. It was approximately 2:30 A.M., and I was walking across the very narrow landing at the top of the stairs when I fell sideways. I tumbled, almost like cartwheeling or careening, down an entire flight of 16 steps and landed sideways on a hard surface in a very unnatural position.

I have several broken bones in some very crucial places. I could have been paralyzed. I thank the Lord that I am not worse off than I am and that the outcome was not even more devastating.

My friend, Michael Seay, who served as president of our Tennessee affiliate for a short time, tragically fell backward down a flight of stairs and lost his life while serving as president. I am so grateful that my accident did not have the same outcome.

Y’all, please be careful, and continue navigating stairs safely. But please do not stop doing the things you love or allow fear to keep you from living your lives fully.

Just because we are blind does not automatically make navigating stairs more challenging or more dangerous. Sighted people fall every day, too. Trust me when I tell you that falls happen to sighted people as well as blind people.

People often assume that when a blind person falls, it must be because of their blindness. However, that is rarely the situation. We must continue to challenge these assumptions and recognize that accidents can happen to anyone.

I love y’all and appreciate every one of you. Please continue living your lives to the fullest of your desires and capabilities. Keep pursuing your dreams, embracing new opportunities, and doing the things that bring you joy.

Warmly,

Shara ❤️

 

Shara Winton

President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

www.nfbma.org <http://www.nfbma.org/> 

sharawinton at gmail.com <mailto:sharawinton at gmail.com> 

617-304-0347

 

From: adam.roberge93 at gmail.com <adam.roberge93 at gmail.com> 
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2026 11:10 AM
To: 'NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List' <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Cc: sharawinton at gmail.com
Subject: RE: [Massachusetts-NFB] From your affiliate president

 

Hi Shara, that sounds scary what you are going through.

Always be careful when navigating stairs.

I am glad you are recovering well and my mother had two falls with in the last five weeks and your’ s sounds worse than both of Her’s.

Adam Roberge

 

 

 

From: Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:massachusetts-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Shara Winton via Massachusetts-NFB
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2026 2:48 PM
To: massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org <mailto:massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> 
Cc: sharawinton at gmail.com <mailto:sharawinton at gmail.com> 
Subject: [Massachusetts-NFB] From your affiliate president

 

Hello, My Dear NFB Family,

I hope you are all doing well.

I am writing to share something that is very difficult for me to talk about—not only emotionally, but physically as well. Even typing this message is challenging right now.

On Monday, October 19, I fell down an entire flight of stairs,  sideways. I am incredibly fortunate that my injuries were not even worse, although they are quite serious.

911 was called because I was unable to move. The emergency responders placed a cervical collar on me to immobilize my neck and spine. I was in tremendous pain, and there was blood in my mouth. I could not move and was in tremendous pain, all over. 

Once I arrived at the emergency department, the medical team began a series of tests and examinations.

The results confirmed that I broke  my sternum (almost in half),  with some additional  smaller fractures.  I also fractured two vertebrae. Thankfully, these injuries have not resulted in paralysis, and my medical team expects me to make a full recovery. I also badly bit my tongue and, for good measure, one of my toes! Needless to say, I am bruised and battered from head to toe.

I was admitted to the trauma unit, where I remain. The pain is excruciating, and I will be unable to use my arms and upper body normally for the next several weeks. Although recovery will take time, my medical team tells me that I am doing well under the circumstances and is optimistic about my recovery.

For the time being, I ask that any questions or concerns about NFBMA business be directed first to your chapter president, who will often be able to provide the information you need. If further assistance is necessary, please contact our affiliate Vice President, Kyra Sweeney.

Right now, I will be   focusing  on healing, so I appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as I navigate the weeks ahead.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and send along any good wishes you can spare. Your love and encouragement mean more than you know.

Thank you for being such a wonderful family. I love all,y’all!

With love, hope, and determination,

Shara

 

 

Shara Winton

President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

www.nfbma.org <http://www.nfbma.org/> 

sharawinton at gmail.com <mailto:sharawinton at gmail.com> 

617-304-0347

 

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