Don't Waste Time: Aaron's FAFTB Story
Aaron has a lot of experience when it comes to complex medical situations. For 23 years, Aaron has battled hairy cell leukemia. That's right - it's taken more than two decades, and cancer still hasn't knocked him down!
Over the years, Aaron has lost his senses of taste and smell. In 2025, he started to lose vision, too.
"It went from bad eyesight to blindness rather quickly," Aaron said. "All of the sudden, I'm blind and I didn't know where to start or where to go."
Luckily, Aaron had previously connected with Kurt Deichmann, president of First Aid for the Blind, in a friend-of-a-friend situation. Kurt was able to provide Aaron with the FAFTB Beginner's Independent Living Skills Training and teach him how to navigate the world without sight.
"That man's been tremendous," said Aaron. "He knows what you need before you need it."
Aaron compared First Aid for the Blind to Costco - a one-stop-shop kind of place where you can get all thing things you need. Aaron had questions about everything from talking book players and Meta glasses to guide dogs and white canes. Kurt had answers, resources and tools for him, many utilizing assistive technology.
"Kurt is an expert," said Aaron. "He knows every little thing. I could barely turn my phone off and on. But he answered my questions before I asked them. He's an inspiration for sure. "
The FAFTB training curriculum is customizable instead of prescriptive, something that Aaron appreciated. Kurt offered his opinion on various pieces of equipment and devices, but let Aaron make the choice about what to pursue. Aaron noted that people's circumstances, like their employment status and available support system, would dictate what resources and tools they would need; he applauded FAFTB's ability to personalize training to the needs of the individual.
"This program cut my anxiety down to 10 percent of what it was," he said.
Aaron embarked on his FAFTB journey with a Training Buddy, which is something Kurt and his team encourage. Aaron's wife, who he called "the best wife in the world," was able to participate in every lesson.
"You really need someone there to motivate you and hold you accountable," said Aaron, noting that his wife offered help and understanding when he practiced skills outside of the lessons.
To others who are experiencing vision loss, Aaron was emphatic in his recommendation of First Aid for the Blind.
"Don't waste time anywhere else," said Aaron. "Get to Kurt's program, the sooner the better. You gotta do it."
Aaron is such a big fan of First Aid for the Blind that when he won a raffle at a wedding to donate a thousand dollars to a charity of his choice, he knew just where to give! FAFTB appreciates not only Aaron's donation, but also his kind heart and willingness to learn.
If you would like to support others like Aaron who could benefit from training as they navigate blindness, please donate to our foundation at www.faftbfoundation.org/donate.
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