<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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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, My Dear NFB Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I hope you are all doing well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Once I arrived at the emergency department, the medical team began a series of tests and examinations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Right now, I will be focusing on healing, so I appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as I navigate the weeks ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you for being such a wonderful family. I love all,y’all!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>With love, hope, and determination,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shara<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>