Faced with a severe degenerative disease, Usher Syndrome, the leading cause of deaf-blindness, Mitch Shapiro's hearing is evaporating and his sight has been reduced to little more than a pinhole of vision. The disease's rapid progression in his mid-life threatened and challenged everything he thought he knew and wanted. At first, feeling a bit ignorant, confused, and unsure, Mitch wanted some kind of answer, perhaps some kind of divine intervention that could clarify his purpose in life while soothing his emotional and physical challenges.

Then, something happened. Something wonderful. Mitch credits a "life-changing" weekend seminar with giving him vision beyond his wildest imagination. "All weekend-long I sat there unimpressed,” he recalls. “I didn't know why I was there and I felt skeptical that anything positive could occur. I certainly didn't think this seminar would be able to help me. And then, a simple phrase was all it took: 'Your greatest weakness is your greatest strength.' It hit me with unbelievable force. From that moment on, I knew what I had to do. My purpose in life couldn't have been any clearer."

Talk with Mitch today and he'll tell you, "I feel like I've been given a gift." His disability has only served to sharpen his vision. And sharp, it is. Mitch has literally turned his personal adversity into fuel that continuously feeds his spirit and moves, touches and inspires others. When you're around Mitch, you feel the intensity of his passion, focus, and commitment for challenging people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances to see past their obstacles and take positive action to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

Those fortunate to know Mitch say he's been blessed with a special talent, a natural gift to motivate and inspire people. And he does this every single day, seven days each week, all 365 days of the year. In fact, Mitch has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of others. He's an active member of numerous professional, civic and business organizations and regularly participates in meetings and events.

One reason Mitch is so successful inspiring others is because he's become quite a motivational speaker. But he doesn't just talk about living life to its fullest, he lives, breathes and embodies this philosophy. Mitch loves - and can frequently be seen and heard – speaking at gatherings of elementary, middle and high school students, fraternal groups, business organizations, and many non-profit organizations. Whether he's providing a keynote speech or captivating the audience with his entertaining and in-demand presentation, “Seeing Past the Obstacles…From One Who Knows,” Mitch energetically seizes every opportunity to propagate his dream: “Success is self-fulfillment – knowing that you've made a difference,” he proclaims.

And Mitch, selflessly and enthusiastically, works to make a difference every day. He's been honored with prestigious awards by many organizations, including the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (Volunteer of the Year), the Kiwanis Club (Man of the Year), Long Island Business News (Marketing Executive of the Year), and recognized for his outstanding volunteer efforts to support a multiplicity of different not-for-profit causes – including the Huntington Arts Council, Disabilities Advisory Board, Citizen's Advisory Panel, 1st Long Island Robotics Competition, the Nassau County Office of the Physically Challenged, the Annual Work/Life Balance Event, among others.

Having served as Key Volunteer and President-LI Affiliate of the Foundation Fighting Blindness for almost ten years, Mitch, once again, realized he can and must do more. That's why, early in 2004, he founded the Foundation for Sight & Sound, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with visual and auditory challenges. Now, Mitch's dream is really taking shape. Mitch says that while he still supports the Foundation Fighting Blindness, he is not limited in his ability to support other worthwhile causes and can become involved as deeply as he desires, without conflicts of interest. As you learn more about the FS&S, you'll understand its unique approach to supporting programs and efforts that best serve the Foundation's primary population.