Janine Robinson

Janine Robinson has had to make serious decisions like many adults. Her aim was to be a productive citizen and to be able to give back to her country.

Janine Robinson was diagnosed at age 21 with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Receiving this diagnosis is hard for any person; however, it seemed life shattering to a 21-year old. In addition, she was active and serving in the Army when she realized she would be living with MS. Robinson had to make another decision at this point; should she give up or could she go on.

Not only was Robinson diagnosed with MS, but shortly after, she went blind. Again, to most people this would be a tragedy and even if you were able to be strong through one diagnosis; two was going to be quite hard.

Robinson chose life and life to its fullest. Instead of giving up, she taught herself Braille and began to live life to its fullest right where she was. Six months later, her sight returned and “Blue Mountain Braille Center” was formed at her home in Oregon. She then became a Braille transcriber.

Robinson knows how it is to not have sight so she uses her time to help others without sight so they can still read. Her job as a volunteer included brailing textbooks for the Oregon School system and a blind college professor. Robinson has taken a negative and definitely turned it into a positive.

Robinson has not let the changes that have occurred in her life to stop her. She has utilized her skills with Braille and transcribes parenting books for women in need. She also spent her Christmas holiday brailing a 365-page book last year because she knew someone was going to benefit from it. In addition, Robinson has brailed cards, books, and special material for those who are sight-impaired to read.

In addition to having MS, Robinson has been diagnosed with two lung diseases and is unable to work now. In spite of living with MS as well as other numerous health problems, she spends her time to Braille for blind people. She is dedicated herself into turning negative situations into positive ones and does so every day. Robinson is determined to manage her illnesses while also serving others in need. Instead of feeling sorry for herself or asking “why me,” she is taking the time to learn new skills and utilize each day to its full potential.