Philadelphia, PA, February 2009 ----  Judy Johnson of Philadelphia became a volunteer for Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ASB) after undergoing three brain surgeries, one of which has left her partially blind

She has also survived a life threatening illness known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which has left her with light sensitivity. Some might have thought that Judy, or anyone, would have given up – but then they would not know Judy.

“My time at ASB wasn’t just important, it was necessary,” Judy says. “Last night I went to the Opera, but we couldn’t find a cab. I was the one who suggested we walk and we did! This may not seem like a big deal but a year ago, I would not have been able to do that.

I have the ASB staff to thank for the training I received.” To gain more experience before going back into the working world, Judy started volunteering at ASB as an administrative assistant in the Human Services Division. “I felt so comfortable here. It was like I was coming home,” explains Judy. 

“Judy exemplifies what ASB encourages all of our clients to achieve independence and freedom,” says Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President and CEO. “Judy has overcome incredible odds and yet, she’s concerned with helping others and empowering current clients.”

In Judy’s free time, she hangs out with her children Kenneth, Christopher, Alexandria, and her dog, Papi. She also likes to watch "Storm Stories", the show about filming from the eye of a tornado.

“I like the unpredictability of the storm. No one knows exactly how it’s going to go or when it’s going to stop.” Like the tornados she watches, Judy is definitely a force to be reckoned with.