For 14 years, Meagan K. Oberle has called our BackCountry neighborhood home, weaving her life into the fabric of our community. But it was not until adversity struck that her true dedication to others began to shine. Meagan’s journey took a dramatic turn when she lost her left eye in a dirt bike accident, just five months after losing her husband to COVID-19. These painful experiences opened her eyes, quite literally, to the struggles faced by others dealing with vision loss. 

She soon realized that many people navigating life after losing their sight were doing so alone, without the necessary support for their emotional and financial needs. This realization sparked the inception of "In the Blink", a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support for individuals who require prosthetic eyes. "In the Blink" offers vital resources, including financial assistance, emotional support, and community connections for those affected by vision loss. 

“Hope begins with being seen,” Meagan emphasizes, underscoring the importance of acknowledgment in the healing process. The organization aims not just to help individuals reclaim their sight but also to restore their sense of identity and belonging. “The journey to establishing this non-profit was not easy,” she shares. “There was a lot of paperwork and red tape, but with the help of dedicated individuals like Johnny, we persevered.” Meagan acknowledges the importance of finding the right support, whether it be website guidance from Elise Cruz, creative assistance from Putnam Creative, or podcast production by Deson Creatives. 

Over the past six months, Meagan and co-founder John McGrath have made significant strides in their mission. They have successfully raised enough funds to provide a prosthetic eye to someone in need, and the excitement surrounding this milestone is palpable. “I can’t wait to gift it,” she beams, thanking the community for their kindness and generosity throughout her journey. Looking ahead, In the Blink is planning a variety of events to sustain their fundraising efforts. “We have a wine tasting in the works, and our run club is organizing a fundraiser for us as well,” Meagan reveals. She is particularly eager about the annual big fundraiser that they are planning, with details to be announced soon. 

Support for In the Blink is crucial as it continues to turn vision into reality for those in need. To learn more about their mission and contribute, please visit [www.intheblinkltd.com](http://www.intheblinkltd.com). Together, we can help Meagan’s vision of hope reach even more lives in our community.