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Foundation Profile
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May Mitchell Royal Foundation, Providing Assistance to Those in Need
- Published in: Update - Issue 1 - 2010
- Listen to Article
May Mitchell Royal was legally blind when she passed away at age 90. She never had a dog guide. Because her blindness struck late in life, Mrs. Royal did not experience the dog guide life style; but she knew about it.
She decided long before her last days that upon her passing a foundation in her name would be established to provide assistance to those in need, especially to people with vision loss.
The May Mitchell Royal Foundation has been generously supporting Leader Dog since 1981. "My mom would be proud of the amazing accomplishments at Leader Dog," said Ruth Lishman, 86, Royal’s daughter. "We are happy to be a part of these accomplishments."
Mrs. Lishman recalls always having dogs while growing up and she remembers a very early experience with a dog guide that has stuck with her throughout her life. "I remember that in grade school - about 75 years ago - a man visited our classroom with his dog guide, a German Shepherd named Buddy," she said. "I was amazed to see what his dog could do."
Mrs. Lishman serves on the May Mitchell Royal Foundation board with her sons, Ross and Michael Kennerly, and Foundation President Susan J. Hartley. Susan’s father, Richard O. Hartley, Esquire was Mrs. Royal’s attorney and was instrumental in creating the foundation.
"Leader Dogs for the Blind is just a great fit for our foundation. We enjoy knowing that our grants are helping people live better lives through their partnership with a trained Leader Dog," said Ms. Hartley. "I hope that our giving will help inspire others to get involved."
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