Blindness No Match for Aspiring Tarpon Springs Journalist

Editor's note: This story originally ran in March. We're putting it in the spotlight again to highlight the accomplishments one person can make.

A Tarpon Springs man has teamed up with local nonprofit Wheelchairs 4 Kids to expand the program's reach as well as develop his craft: writing.

When Lehman, now 37, was about a year old, he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints.  

Until Lehman was 14 years old, he had 20/20 vision. But a degenerative side effect of the disease caused him to go blind over a period of several years. 
Although the illness has left Lehman dependent on his remaining four senses, one thing he has not lost sight of is his dreams.

"Writing is something I can still do, even without my vision," Lehman said. "Using adaptive technology, I can operate a computer just like the average person."

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Lehman said that he has been a writer for as long as he can remember, from research papers to creative writing to poetry.

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Through a mutual friend, Lehman was introduced to the staff at Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children with physical disabilities, which coincidentally needed a writer for their website.

After one meeting, Lehman secured the position. And he couldn't be happier about it.

"I love it, and it's a lot of fun" Lehman said. "It's also very rewarding."

Lehman began taking assignments in February and has no shortage of story possibilities, according to Madeline Robinson, the executive director of Wheelchairs 4 Kids.

"We hadn't updated our website pages in about three or four months, so he has his work cut out for him" Robinson said. 

With his writing for the organization, Lehman's main focus is the children.
On the Wheelchairs 4 Kids website, a tab entitled "Meet the Kids" includes most of Lehman's work. The biographies shed light on each child's story, along with a photo.

In the future, Lehman will be able to go to each child's home when they are presented with a wheelchair from the organization. He said he is excited to be a part of that process.

"Hopefully someday I'll get to meet the children," Lehman said with a smile. "I know that will be very rewarding as well."

As he catches one dream after another, he doesn't seem to want to slow down. 
In addition to his mountain of weekly assignments, Lehman revealed that he is also working on several books for publication.

Among his book projects are a fantasy fiction tale, a children's title and a compilation dedicated to his family.

"My family has been the biggest influence on my life, so I want to get that one published," Lehman said.

Since Wheelchairs 4 Kids has only been around for about a year and a half, Robinson added that Lehman's efforts have been a big help to the organization.

"Christopher is really quite a good writer," Robinson said. "We're thrilled to have him."

Through writing, Lehman said that he has found not only a passion within himself, but hopefully a career. He said he hopes to make it as a full-time journalist someday.

"With my disability there are things that I can't do, but writing is one thing that puts me as an equal with everyone else," Lehman said.