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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear NFB New Mexico,</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Please accept our sincere thanks for making it possible to attend the NFB Conference in New Orleans this last summer. We are deeply moved by the generosity and vision of
<b>this </b>community.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In New Orleans we were impressed by the power of collective advocacy, the brilliance of accessible technology, and the sheer joy of belonging to a community that
<b>sees</b> possibility everywhere.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Walking into that hotel ballroom filled with 2.4 thousand blind people from across the country was awe-inspiring. The energy was electric. The conversations were rich. And the technology? Mind-blowing. From tactile graphics to
AI-powered navigation tools, we saw the future unfolding in real time. (I am sighted and Ill share that being confronted with hundreds of white canes was a little terrifying and I had to learn new ways to navigate.)</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elliot was especially interested in the demos and the wearable tech thats reshaping independence. But what struck me most wasnt just the techit was the people. The mentors who took time to talk with us. The students who shared
their stories. The professionals who showed us whats possible. I did blind-folded cane travel for the first time and I can honestly say that it was profound.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When I was twelve, I attended my first conference for Lions Clubs International, and later the organization sent me to a conference in Europe. For years Ive
carried the gratitude for their investment in me and I continue to be a member. Similarly, I hope that Elliott will have many years of friendship and service through NFB.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The first time Elliott and I attended the NM conference, Elliott saw all the people with canes standing in front of the hotel, and walking through the parking
lot he said, Mom, I think I found my people. Thank you for being our people and thank you for investing in Elliott.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With gratitude,</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Shelly Smith<br>
Mother of Elliott Hitchcock</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elliott Hitchcock</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Student with low vision</span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ron Hitchcock</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Aptos, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Father of Elliott Hitchcock</span></p>
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