Words cannot capture the spirit of empowerment, kindness and good will that Mitch Shapiro embodies.
Ten years ago Mitch started the Foundation for Sight and Sound after having been with the Foundation Fighting Blindness for a number of years.
Mitch has Usher Syndrome, also called deaf-blindness. He began wearing hearing aids at a very young age and now has two cochlear implants; he is also going blind.
Mitch is the most capable person I know! Mitch runs the Foundation for Sight and Sound, a grass roots not for profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for men, women and children with vision and/or hearing impairments. Listening to him on the phone offering his council to others is inspirational. Mitch is also an accomplished cook, gardener, outdoorsman and stand-up comic!
What makes Mitch my hero is his heart. It would be easy for Mitch to be angry at the world for the extremely difficult circumstances he deals with in his day to day life; but that’s not who Mitch is.
Mitch greets every day and every one with a smile and a positive attitude. I can’t count the number of times I’ve come to Mitch with one of my “problems”; he is always there for me with compassion and inspiration.
Mitch devotes his life to helping improve the quality of life for others. Whether through his tireless work and fundraising efforts at the Foundation for Sight and Sound, or the cheerful way Mitch greets the world, or the way, no matter what else is going on in his life – Mitch makes time for people. He makes you feel valued.
Mitch Shapiro is my hero!
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
Tell Us Your Story All Everyday Hero Stories