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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hello Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I am writing with both sadness and concern in my heart for our dear friends, Basil and Carol Maurice of the Greater Springfield Chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Many of you know how deeply involved they are in our affiliate. They faithfully attend both the Washington Seminar and our National Convention, and they are always at the center of whatever we are doing-whether it’s our state convention, fundraisers, or other events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You may recognize Carol as our dedicated door prize chair for the past several years at state convention. She has also served as secretary of the Greater Springfield Chapter for quite some time. Basil currently serves on our affiliate board and is a past president of the Greater Springfield chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A few years ago, at Washington Seminar, we affectionately gave this remarkable couple the nickname “Carasil,” (pronounced Carazzle )- combining their names, a reflection of how inseparable and inspiring they are. They have been married for more than twenty years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Recently, they have been facing some serious health challenges. At this past February’s Washington Seminar, Basil fell and broke bones in his hand. Then, just last week during a work visit to the State House, he suffered another fall and broke his humerus, a large bone near the shoulder. He is now out of work for a period of time, in significant pain, and unable to use his arm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>As if that were not enough, Carol has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Her doctors are continuing to monitor her closely, but she is experiencing episodes of discomfort and debilitating dizziness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you are a praying person, please keep the Maurices in your prayers. If prayer isn’t your practice, we ask that you send positive thoughts and healing energy their way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you for taking the time to read this and for surrounding Basil and Carol with your love and support during this difficult time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>