Marisa 
Marisa is a senior in high school and a client of the Lighthouse of Pinellas for 17 years. She is totally blind in her right eye and partially blind in her left due to Retinopathy of Prematurity, a result of being born premature. Her parents, John and Leslie, were introduced to the Lighthouse of Pinellas shortly after birth and Marisa was enrolled in the babies (Early Intervention) program.
Marisa holds a 4.0 GPA and credits the Lighthouse for giving her the
confidence to pursue extracurricular activities in her personal life, such as dance, gymnastics, track, swimming, choir and marching band. She enjoys writing and public speaking and maintains a blog on her own website. She is a recipient of the 2019 Anne Frank Humanitarian Award from The Florida Holocaust Museum. Marisa plans to attend college to pursue a degree in Communications and a minor in the Bible.
"Lead Me to the Lighthouse"
I need a light.
Something to give me sight.
I must no longer wander in the dark
Lost in the blackness of night.
Lead me to the Lighthouse, so that I may see.
Lead me to the Lighthouse, for it feels like home to me.
Lead me to the Lighthouse, so my ship can find its way.
Then, I will know how to navigate around the storms at bay.
Here at the Lighthouse, I learned how to walk with my cane.
The O&M training I received helped me avoid sudden pain.
Here at the Lighthouse, I learned skills that enhanced my quality of life.
Here at the Lighthouse, I learned what it means to have true sight.
To all the instructors, thank you for teaching me which technique was right.
To all of the donors, thank you for your generosity and helping me to see the light.
