A Clearer World Through Kindness: The Gardners’ Story
At Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, every day brings new stories of strength, kindness, and connection. Today, we’re honored to share one such story — a quiet moment that made a big impact.
Iris and Larry Gardner, long-time clients of the Lighthouse, know what it means to live with vision loss. But rather than let their circumstances define them, they chose to find strength in their journey—and each other. The couple arrived for a routine check-up, hands gently clasped, and hearts open.
In the waiting room, they overheard a conversation between an elderly woman and a receptionist. The woman, clearly frustrated, shared that she couldn’t afford a special pair of glasses that her insurance wouldn’t cover. “What’s the point of having partial vision if I can’t make the most of it?” she asked, her voice tinged with defeat.
Without missing a beat, Iris and Larry leaned toward her. “We’d like to pay for your glasses,” Iris offered with quiet sincerity.
The woman was stunned. “I couldn’t possibly accept…”
Larry gently insisted. “We’ve been in your shoes. You deserve to see as well as you can.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Why would you do this?”
“Because everyone deserves to live fully,” Iris replied.
The woman didn’t just walk away with new glasses—she walked away with renewed hope. That moment captures the spirit of Lighthouse: when people feel supported, they find strength not only to rise—but to lift others as well.
More Than a Service—A Community
This is what we’re about at Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches. Since 1946, we’ve served individuals who are blind or visually impaired across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. From infants to seniors, we meet people where they are—and walk with them toward greater independence.
Our services cover low vision rehabilitation, education, life skills training, career readiness, and community outreach. While low vision services involve minimal cost, all other services are offered at no charge, made possible through the generosity of our supporters.
Our team operates under our guiding values:
- Loyalty to our mission and clients
- Innovation to adapt to challenges
- Growth to reach more individuals
- Happiness as the ultimate goal
- Teamwork that values diversity and inclusion
Every story, like the Gardners’, reminds us why we do this work.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever wondered whether one small act can make a difference, let the Gardners’ story be your answer. Whether you support our mission through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our story, you become part of a growing circle of light.
At Lighthouse, we don’t just restore vision—we restore hope.
Learn more about our mission and how to get involved at lighthousepalmbeaches.org
