Guest post by Rob Harris #AdvocateDad
Three years ago, the Young Visionaries began a mission to educate our community about life as white cane users. What started as a simple walk down Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, has blossomed into an inspiring movement of awareness and change. Yesterday, we celebrated that journey with our White Cane Day 2024 event—and what a day it was!
Under the dedicated leadership of Joanne Stamp, Rob Harris, and Erin Allard, this year’s event was a resounding success. Their tireless efforts, along with our amazing volunteers and community partners, made the day exceed all expectations. Together, we hosted a vibrant resource fair featuring more than 15 local organizations. The Center for Independence graciously provided the perfect venue, welcoming over 70 attendees eager to learn and connect.
The heart of the event was our “White Cane Down Main” walk. More than 40 participants, all donned in bright yellow shirts, proudly strolled down Main Street, spreading awareness and sharing their stories. Leading the way was our keynote speaker, Penn Street, affectionately known as “The Blind Chick,” who energized everyone with her passionate address. She shared invaluable resources from Aftersight and the Lions Club’s Long White Cane program, empowering all in attendance.
Adding to the day’s significance, Grand Junction’s own Mayor Abram Herman issued a proclamation reaffirming the city’s commitment to our cause. Local vendors like the Ensight Skill Center, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Camp Abilities Colorado contributed their expertise, turning the fair into a one-stop resource hub.
We were also honored to have GJPD Officer RJ Eaton join our walk. His presence highlighted the importance of accessibility for all and led to real-time improvements for participants.
Thanks to our media partners—KREX, The Daily Sentinel, and Joanne’s guest appearance on “Food for Thought” with Dixie Burmeister—we reached an even broader audience. This coverage ensures that the message of White Cane Day continues to resonate far beyond the event.
As we reflect on this year’s incredible celebration, we’re already looking ahead to next year. With exciting new plans in the works, we hope you’ll join us in 2025 for an even bigger and more impactful White Cane Day!
Navigating Blindness 