Blind runner and her dog an inspiration By ABBY ARMBRUSTER Staff Writer Published: November 29, 2012 4:00AM WOOSTER -- When 17-year-old Lexington High School student Sami Stoner caught wind of a seeing-eye dog program through the Lions Club, she regained her sight and a companion who has led her to continue her passion of running for her high school cross country team. Since receiving her seeing-eye dog, Chloe, through the Lions Club Pilot Dog program in Columbus a year and a half ago, Stoner has become a motivational speaker and visits schools and organizations, including Woosters Lions Club last week. We wouldnt be standing here right now if it wasnt for you guys and your support for (the) Pilot Dogs (program). When I was in eighth grade, I started losing my vision and when I started losing my vision, we didnt know what was wrong. We went from doctor to doctor to try and figure it out and someone finally came up with Stargardts disease. Stargardts disease left Stoner legally blind, though she still has some vision through her peripherals. She was matched with Chloe through the Pilot Dog program and participated in a monthlong training session with rules of how to treat and care for Chloe, such as only petting her when her guide harness is off. I was the youngest, and the next youngest was about 39 (years old), so we had everything from 16- to 89-year-olds in our class, Stoner said. Stoner discussed life with Chloe, which includes being a part of Lexingtons cross country team, and answered questions from Lions Club members about overcoming obstacles in her life. Though Stoner hails from Ohio, she has been featured on ESPN, Good Morning America and the Lions Club national magazine for her accomplishments. Sami Stoners father, Keith Stoner, said he was taken aback by the media requests the family has been receiving. She just wanted to run. Thats what it was all about, Keith Stoner said. To find out that it was that inspiring to so many people, Im very proud of that and Im proud that shes never failed to say thank you, he said. Its been a little overwhelming. Its been different. Its been an incredible experience, though, Sami Stoner said. Weve got to meet so many people that we havent even dreamed of meeting. Not only has Stoner continued running for her cross country team, but is the president of Lexingtons Key Club, is a member of the National Honor Society and was homecoming queen this fall. When Stoner got matched up with Chloe, she wasnt sure if she would be able to run cross country with her team again, and the decision went down to one man at the Ohio High School Athletic Association. As part of the decision, Stoner is not allowed to receive points for her teams totals and must start 30 seconds after the race begins. Stoner said she isnt the fastest runner and does not mind she isnt allowed to race competitively. Shes not only given me more confidence in my running, but in every aspect because whenever I go into a room, Im never alone ... I always have someone with me, Stoner said. Im so happy she loves (running), but she gets kind of grumpy if we dont get to run that day. Now, Stoner is looking forward to college with Chloe, where she will be able to live in a single dorm with her dog, most likely at Otterbein University. The Wooster Lions Club raised more than $500 for the Pilot Dogs program in preparation for Stoners visit.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 09:45:00 +0000
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