<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">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\u2019s restaurant, where she worked for 28 years and had children along the
way.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">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\u2019t 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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shirley received orientation and mobility training through
the commission in 2021. When reflecting on that experience, she said, \u201cIt
really changed my whole world. It made me the independent person I am today.\u201d
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, \u201cDon\u2019t 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.\u201d 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\u2019s been
great getting to know you, Shirley, and stay tuned for our next Member to
Member!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! Can't wait to learn about more of our members in the coming year!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sincerely,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bronwen</p></div>