Mia holding Ellie in her arms, both are smiling and happy to be together. One of the things Ellie says most often is: “Mia come home soon.” Not because someone tells her to say it. Not because she depends on Mia to care for her. But because she genuinely misses her sister when she’s gone. When Mia comes home from school, it’s immediately “MIAAAA!” being screamed through the house while Mia runs over for a hug from Ellie. And somehow, Ellie always seems to know when the bus is

One thing I’ve learned through Ellie’s journey is that many people simply haven’t had exposure to childhood blindness or visual impairment before. Most assumptions are not made out of cruelty they often come from a lack of understanding, representation, and education. As a parent, I’ve realized how important it is to talk openly about blindness, accessibility, and the everyday realities of raising a child who experiences the world differently. So here are a few common myths,

Ellie Featured on Radio-Canada Our family’s journey was recently shared by Radio-Canada, helping raise awareness about the realities of raising a blind child in Northern Ontario and the need for better support for families like ours. Ellie présentée par Radio-Canada Le parcours de notre famille a récemment été presenter, par Radio-Canada, mettant en lumière la réalité de vivre avec un enfant aveugle dans le Nord de l’Ontario ainsi que le besoin d’un meilleur accès aux servic

(Version Française disponible ci-dessus) When your child is diagnosed with Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD), it can feel like the ground shifts under your feet. Suddenly there are new medical terms, specialists, appointments, and more questions than answers. For many parents, the hardest part isn’t just understanding the diagnosis it’s understanding what it actually means for their child’s everyday life. This post is meant to explain SOD in a clear, compassionate way, while also a

When people look at our life, they see appointments. They see hospital visits, maybe a diagnosis, maybe a few updates here and there. But what they don’t see… is everything that happens behind the scenes. I Didn’t Just Become Her Mom I didn’t just become Ellie’s mom. I became her coordinator. Her advocate. Her researcher. Her voice. A Whole Team, Not Just One Doctor Ellie doesn’t just have “a doctor.” She has a team. Neurology Genetics Endocrinology Ophthalmology Cardiology E

Ellie’s milestones haven’t followed the usual timeline, and celebrations don’t always look the way we imagined when we first became parents. Plans shift, sensory things surprise us, and we never quite know what the day will bring. But what we do know is that Ellie always finds her own way to enjoy it. This year, it was the balloons. Ellie sits on the floor holding a shiny blue balloon, looking off to the side with a soft, curious expression. The thing we weren’t sure about en

When most people think about raising a child, they imagine the visible moments: playtime, milestones, school days, bedtime stories. These are the parts everyone sees and celebrates. But for parents of blind children, much of the work happens quietly behind the scenes. It is a constant, invisible effort that shapes how a child experiences the world. Parenting a blind child means becoming their narrator, interpreter, and guide to a world built for sight. It means describing wha

When most people think about seeing the world, they think about what their eyes take in. For Ellie, the world is experienced differently. It’s built from voices she recognizes, hands she trusts, textures she explores, and the feeling of being safe and loved. Ellie lives with blindness and Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD), but her story isn’t defined by what she can’t see. It’s defined by everything she feels, learns, and experiences in her own way. Ellie sitting on the floor, sun

Childhood blindness is a pressing issue that affects thousands of children across Canada. Despite the advancements in medical technology and healthcare, many children still face the risk of losing their sight due to various factors, including congenital conditions, injuries, and diseases. Raising awareness about childhood blindness is crucial not only for early detection and intervention but also for fostering a supportive community that can help these children thrive. In thi