Cathy Alice Koyanagi
visits Dancing on Your Disabilities Radio
Cathy Alice Koyanagi
Blind and still Laughing in mid-life!
Traditionally the five senses we commonly associate with external perception are the ability to hear, see, touch, smell and taste. Those are the five senses that allow us to live out our lives independently and successfully. The thought of losing any of those senses sends a chill up most people’s spine.
The most frightening loss is the possibility of becoming blind.
Do you think you could cope with the loss of sight midway through your life? We take so much for granted and we seldom consider living life with the limited ability to see the sun rise and set every day. We stand in front of mirrors constantly, judging our own appearance. What if you never saw your reflection again? Sadly, many of us are faced with the devastating news that they are going blind.
What happens then?
Have you ever blindfolded yourself and tried to walk around your own home without crashing into a wall or tripping over a rug or a piece of furniture? I bet you did not do so well and found yourself totally disorientated. We are dependent on our senses and unfortunately most of us take them for granted. Our senses give us great freedom of choice.
Imagine for a minute that you were faced with this heartbreaking dilemma. How would you comb your hair, watch a movie, put on makeup, drive a car, or even know who was standing right in front of you? It is an overwhelming adjustment. Do you think you would succumb to depression and hopelessness? Undoubtedly there would be a huge learning curve and period of grief.
Amazingly, some people have the spirit, attitude, and resilience that let them recover from such devastation in a miraculous way and they go on to live productive and happy lives. They are inspirational and motivational people that not only lead by example they spread joy and happiness to others. One such special lady visits Dancing on our Disabilities Radio today. Her name is Kathy Ann Koyanagi. Not only is she a sample of perseverance and emotional strength; she is absolutely lovely to look at. Her physical appearance is impeccable and she has great style and grace. I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to Kathy. She will inspire you, uplift you and make you laugh and cry at the same time.
Click the link to listen to Cathy:Non-Flash MP3 Direct Link
About Cathy:
Cathy Koyanagi was born on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and spent most of her teenage years in Michigan. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in child care administration. In 2006 she was diagnosed with cancerous tumors in both of her eyes. She then underwent radiation treatment in Miami to kill the tumors. Although the radiation did its job of killing the tumors, it came with a high price. Shortly after the treatment, Cathy was diagnosed with radiation glaucoma, which eventually led to the complete blindness in her left eye and limited vision in the right. Last year her left eye was removed in attempt to eliminate the sharp pains she was experiencing. It, however, did not. In 2010 she spent 8 months at the Daytona Beach Rehabilitation Center, where she learned mobility skills using a cane, as well as other skills to help in the adjustment to blindness. Upon her return from the Daytona Beach facility she was hired by the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, where she continues today as the “adjustment to blindness counselor”, helping others who are going through the same transition she is experiencing. Contact Cathy on Facebook.com
Email Cathy: [email protected]
An award winning speaker and comedian
Cathy Alice Koyanagi is an absolutely amazing person. Her positive attitude encourages us all! I particularly found the part where she talked about overcoming a problem by going out and buying a wig really educational. We can certainly take a lesson from that.
Thanks, Cathy, for your wonderful talk!
Cathy Alice Koyanagi is an absolutely amazing person. Her positive attitude encourages us all! I particularly found the part where she talked about overcoming a problem by going out and buying a wig really educational. We can certainly take a lesson from that.
Thanks, Cathy, for your wonderful talk!
I really enjoyed interviewing Cathy. I agree,she is one of a kind. I’m blessed to know her.
What a delightful experience to listen to such an uplifting person who has dealt with something most of us would find unbearable. Cathy Alice is a true inspiration and role model for all of us who may be dealing with problems that we feel are insurmountable, unfair, and more than we can bear.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
I love Cathy for many reasons, but most of all for her courage and honesty. Interviewing people is great, but some people make it fun. Cathy is one of those people.
Myra
Cathy-Alice articulated with perfection the horrors of going from sighted to blind. As one of the 23,000,000 Americans living with low vision or blindness I have experienced the myriad of emotions and challenges of which she spoke.
I absolutely love her attitude and applaud her ability to see problems as opportunity’s.
Hi DC,
You expressed my sentiments with real clarity. Cathy is a gift to anyone who feels that they are alone in their suffering. Not only is she honest, caring, and sensitive, she has the best sense of humor.
Myra
Cathy-Alice you “Rock”. Thanks for sharing your experience. In listening to you,I could so identified with some of the struggles and challenges of be a visually impaired person. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I thank Cathy as well. She is my hero.
Myra