Imagine being born into a world of darkness…
Imagine being born into a world of darkness. A world designed for people who see. A world where being blind means inequality, dependence, and many times isolation. Imagine living in New York City where crowds and vehicles move fast and loud as you go to work, to the grocery store or enter the subway. Imagine needing your family to take you everywhere you need to go.
Enid Bourne didn’t have to imagine. This is her life - an amazing story of an extraordinary woman that was 60 years in the making.
Enid longed for an independent life. She applied to several organizations to get the training needed to develop travel skills; but the restrictions of 1940’s society meant frequent rejection, often humiliation and little hope. This changed in 1949 when Enid was accepted to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Getting her first Leader Dog ‘Tarsan’ changed the course of her life. Today Enid travels with her seventh Leader Dog ‘Lilly.’ She has the distinction of having worked with Leader Dogs longer than any other graduate.
After receiving Tarsan, Enid became the first and only blind student to attend Washington Business School in NYC. She began working for the Chief Medical Examiners office in 1958 transcribing autopsy reports using a Dictaphone. Enid enjoyed the job so much she did it for 41 years. She moved from manual to electric typewriter and then to a computer evolving right along with technology. She credits her success with learning a little bit every day and keeping a Leader Dog by her side.
For six decades Enid has had a front row seat to the dramatic changes that Leader Dog has undergone. She attended her first class in the original farmhouse purchased in 1939 and looks forward to attending her next class in our specially designed residence facility. She has witnessed Leader Dog’s programs expand to include Orientation and Mobility classes, instruction for deaf-blind students, summer camps for teens, and Trekker training classes utilizing GPS technology.
One standard that has not wavered over the years is Leader Dog’s commitment to enhancing the lives of our students. All of our life-altering programs are free of charge to students, including housing, meals and travel. This extreme level of commitment is possible because of generous and consistent donations from many supporters, foundations and corporations.
This is a critical time for Leader Dogs for the Blind. We understand these are turbulent economic times, but we know that the challenge of helping others often solidifies our commitment. Please help us continue our legacy of fulfilling human potential. Your donation will immediately provide essential funding to our school so we can continue to meet the needs of thousands of people who are blind and visually impaired.
Become our partner and join us in letting Enid Bourne know that we are on her side.
With deep appreciation,
Gregory Grabowski
President & CEO
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