I loved having the opportunity to photograph McClain Hermes tonight. She is a champion in every respect of the word.
McClain is legally blind. In 2009 she discovered she had two detached retinas and despite several surgeries she has continued to lose her eyesight. This has not stopped her from swimming (and excelling). She was a member of the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team at the 2015 ParaPan Am games. She is currently the number one S12 (visually impaired) swimmer and she ranks 15 internationally.
She is amazing.
She also has a big heart. The same year her vision began to fail her she and her dad founded Shoes for Souls which donates shoes for the Atlanta Mission. They have collected and donated over 12,000 shoes since she first began the ministry.
This is all pretty amazing for a now 15 year old. However, my favorite thing about McClain is her kind demeanor. She is patient and caring anytime I get to speak with her. She genuinely loves people.
I am grateful for the blessing of knowing the entire Hermes family.
You can read more about McClain’s journey at http://mcclainhermes.com/.
Philippians 4:12,13 ~”I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
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Wow, what a story, Mary Anne! Am forwarding this to both of my daughters. They are special ed teachers, working with blind students, and so is one son-in-law. Their masters’ degrees are in the area of Orientation and Mobility – which basically means they work with physical skills like cane-walking, shopping, public transportation, etc, rather than teaching academics. Very rewarding – and demanding – work.