The Blind Reality

Loving Lulu

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:13:25 +0000

Lulu is an amazing gift who has impacted my life in so many positive ways. Her kind heart, happy nature and innate intelligence are truly remarkable. Becki shares a glimpse into the positive impact that Lulu, Becki's guide dog, has made on her life. Listen to a touching conversation between Becki and Lulu’s puppy raiser, Jack Clarkson.

Episode 19: Guided Steps

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 10 May 2022 13:25:36 +0000

My life was changed with a single phone call. The excitement that came along with hearing I had been matched with my future guide dog was incredible. But, learning to walk the walk was definitely more complex than I had anticipated. Join Becki for an informative conversation with her amazing guide dog instructor, Karen Hanlon.

Episode 18: Reality Check

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

"Sometimes it is easier to try and ignore an issue rather than face it head on. That is, until you accidentally walk right into it. The decision to get a guide dog was something I considered for years. Join Becki as she talks about applying for a guide dog and, ultimately, taking the next big step. Becki is joined by her Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Lisa, for a conversation. "

Episode 17: We are all just people

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 8 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt alone, or as if you were the only one experiencing a bumpy road? You are not alone. Becki shares some common human experience moments you are sure to relate to. Also, join Becki as she chats with her 15-year-old nephew, Jagden, as he shares his thoughts and experiences.

Episode 16: Testing 1-2-3

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 8 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Feeling like you have lost your voice and place in the world can be overwhelming. Trying to establish who you are once again can be a challenge. Join Becki as she talks about how she learns how important communicating and speaking up is. Becki is joined for a conversation with Andy Frank, who has become a mentor.

Episode 15: With Appreciation: Trust

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

"Has your day ever started out heading in one direction and then, without any notice, it suddenly flips and leads you someplace totally unexpected? Listen in as Becki shares when this happened to her. What seemed like a scary transition ended up being a pivotal moment that introduced her to a new, key person in her life. Join Becki for a special conversation with Dr. Jeff Judelson, her cornea specialist."

Episode 14: With Appreciation: Captain of the team

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Dr. Raul Garcia has been a medical constant in Becki‘s life for nearly 30 years. He has been there through it all and, as a result, his impact has been immense. Listen in as Becki talks about her vision journey, and her conversation with her team captain, ophthalmologist and retina specialist Dr. Raul Garcia.

Episode 13: Letting Go

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 9 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

How do you decide that today is the day to step forward and finally let go of the past? How do you make those big, permanent decisions that are intertwined with so many emotions? Becki talks about her thoughts, feelings and the decision-making process that allowed her to decide to have her unsighted right eye permanently removed. Join Becki for a conversation with her ocularis, Jon Koroscil.

Episode 12: With Appreciation: Always

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:54:59 +0000

Becki talks about the security she felt under the care of her long-term pediatric specialist. She also shares her experiences transitioning away from these familiar professionals and into an unfamiliar adult world. Becki is joined by her long-time pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Alan Rosenberg. Don’t miss this touching conversation.

Episode 11: With Appreciation: From the Beginning

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:57:26 +0000

In this episode, Becki explores moments from her childhood, including surgeries, school and learning to navigate the medical world from a young age. Becki is joined by her longtime paediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Ken Romanchuk, for a heartfelt conversation.

Episode 10: Making Choices

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:30:00 +0000

From the moment we wake up each day, we make choices. Some are bigger than others, requiring more time and contemplation before stepping forward. Join Becki as she explores some of her choices that she has made during her vision loss journey. Becki is joined by her dad, Cal, to talk about some of his thoughts and experiences.

Episode 9: Reflection

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Becki reflects back to her childhood, sharing the day she was originally diagnosed with JRA, uveitis and glaucoma. And, as Becki looks back at her past, she contemplates her future. Becki‘s brother, Travis, joins the conversation and shares some childhood memories.

Episode 8: Shifting Titles

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 11 May 2021 11:59:32 +0000

Becki considers returning to work as a Registered Nurse, but will it be possible? There is no easy way around it, there's a mountain of boxes that need to be checked, hours of learning and years of acceptance to be faced. Listen in while Becki considers all of her options. Also, meet Becki‘s teacher and friend, Calynda.

Episode 7: stretch+adjust+change= joy

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 6 Apr 2021 16:25:05 +0000

Becki shares moments that made her realize change was inevitable, including humorous moments that nudged her out of her comfort zone on the road to redefining herself. Meet Becki‘s friend, Ashley, as they discuss navigating life as blind/partially sighted women.

Episode 6: Thank you for being a friend

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 9 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Friendships can truly be a valuable asset regardless of your life‘s circumstances. Join Becki as she talks about some special friends who have impacted her life. Meet Becki’s other best friend, Valene, as she joins the show to share some of her insights.

Episode 5: Magical Moments

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Parenting is hard. Parenting when you are blind or partially sighted is a whole other game. Becki shares personal moments as she was learning to be a partially sighted mom, and we meet Bennett, her 10-year-old son, who is her inspiration.

Episode 4: Baby Steps

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Fear and loneliness feel insurmountable until courage is found. Becki begins to explore what life is going to be like moving forward, and we meet Becki's best friend of 26 years, Erin. This episode may leave you reconsidering some of those old clothes you have kept over the years.

Episode 3: Grateful for hope

podcasts@ami.ca (AMI) — Tue, 8 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Becki's perseverance continues when she is once again faced with adversity. Join Becki as she experiences a pivotal moment in her vision loss journey and listen to heartfelt moments shared by Becki‘s mother-in-law, Jewel.

Episode 2: Next Steps

podcasts@ami.ca (Accessible Media Inc.) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Following the loss of the rest of her sight, Becki found herself hospitalized and facing the prospect of surgery that wouldn't restore her sight for certain. Luckily her husband Brad was with her.

Episode 1: The Story of Becki's Vision Loss

podcasts@ami.ca (Accessible Media Inc.) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:42:43 +0000

On August 23, 2013, Becki Zerr experienced a traumatic loss of vision. While Becki had some vision all her life, this event would change her life forever. Becki recounts this day and we'll hear from her mother about how this has affected her life.

The Blind Reality premieres October 13

podcasts@ami.ca (Accessible Media Inc.) — Fri, 9 Oct 2020 16:03:02 +0000

Becki Zerr shares her unique life experience as a healthcare provider and client, as well as being a mom. Becki has lived with monocular vision, no vision at all, and various degrees of partial sight. Each month, Becki tells honest stories of family, friendships, parenting, career, entrepreneurship and repeatedly defying the odds.