Let Me Take You Back to 1995...
An introduction to Anthony Ferraro
Let me take you back to 1995. It was the middle of the night in Neptune, NJ at the beloved Jersey Shore Medical Center. The day was Friday, March 24th and a resilient mother gave birth to her fifth and final child after 7 months of bedrest. There was something different about this boy. This child was born a month and a half early and the doctors said he contracted e-coli. Quickly hooking him up to tubes and IVs he spent the first month of his life in the ICU. Both his parents rotated responsibilities of staying with their dying newborn and tending to the older 4 children. This baby fought for his life as he withered down to about 2 pounds.
Nobody gave up though.
His parents prayed and prayed while the baby fought.
Could this be why this baby ws different? I wish.
No this baby was different because of his eyes. They would shake back and forth when he tried to focus. The boys parents rushed to find the best possible help in the country and were quickly told that their sons condition was incurable and would only get worse as his life goes on.
The child was diagnosed with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, also known as LCA for short. The parents were told to invest in education. That no amount of science at this point would help the boy see. All they could control was his ability to receive an education like any other child. The parents were told not to treat this Child any differently. The boys parents very clearly understood what they had to do and decided then and there they would do whatever it took.
Fast forward 25 years — this boy is now a man. He is 1 of 60+ cousins. He is fully fluent and literate in Braille. He can operate technology with Voice Over navigation and commands. He fought + overcame a prejudice private education system.
He became a decorated Varsity High School Wrestler leading the team as captain beginning his Freshman year. The kids he would fight had no visual impairments and saw him as a threat despite his impairment. His older brother Oliver made a film about his wrestling journey and named it A Shot In The Dark.
A few years later, he lost his brother..
But he picked himself up from tragic loss.
He traveled the world.
Hiked sixteen thousand feet in Peru.
Rafted 90 miles of the Grand Canyon.
Joined the United States Paralympic Judo Team.
Lived in California.
Lived in Brooklyn.
Became a motivational speaker.
And a talented musician.
Plus found an amazing life partner and made her my Fiancé.
Why I telling you about this person? Because that person is me.
My name is Anthony Ferraro and this blog is going to be a place for me to share my experiences, challenges, and things that have helped me in my life. I will also share memories and fun stories along the way.
Welcome to my life. I hope you enjoy the journey. And remember — the only disability is a bad attitude..
This post was originally written in April 2020. Fast forward to today….
Currently I am planning a Cross Country “Blind Busking” Livestream Music Tour with my Fiancé. We leave on November 2, 2020. If you are subscribed to my newsletter you will see posts on her blog coming up — Turmeric Tea Time :)
You can find more information about me on my website asfvision.comInstagramYouTubeWatch “A Shot In The Dark” for a limited time only FREE of charge via YouTube — Link here.
Following with great anticipation!
So glad I found this brother. You inspire me from afar on a near daily basis as I watch your IG post, etc. I never knew your whole story before, I just know you as a great local blues player. Thank you for sharing your story man. I know you help many more than just me. I gave your dad a One Love hat for you (might be too small and better for the baby?) at the BAC a couple of weeks ago. Hope you got it. Peace and Love my friend. Come by and jam some Tuesday!