08/21/2011
Philip Schuman ran the marathon blindfolded with the goal of raising $50,000 for CNIB. He has run several marathons before, but never blindfolded. How it works is his brother roller skates behind and gives audible commands – NO PHYSICAL CONTACT – No tether – just the voice guide.
"My father has been blind his whole life and I see his day to day trials: even the most simple tasks can become a nightmare. And while he is very successful and independent, I understand fully that not all blind/visually impaired Canadian’s are, and in order to train these individuals, it requires a substantial amount of capital. He is my hero. My only hope is to learn more about what he does, and how he does it.
Visual problems can affect anyone – it is the sense we rely on most and without it most of us are useless. I dare you to try and make a cup of coffee blindfolded. Then, and only then, will you be able to catch a glimpse of my father’s life – but he can’t just remove his blindfold."
Philip is from Calgary, AB, and works with Intact Insurance.
