By Monique Butterworth
Pictures: Paul Broben
The Big Brother star is trying to come to terms with her fast-fading sight.
Closely watching the joy on her daughter Mia’s face as she encounters Tilly, a five-month-old golden retriever guide-dog-in-waiting, Regina “Reggie” Sorensen laughs as Mia squeals “woo woo” — her word for dog.
But behind Reggie’s laugh is the frightening knowledge that this initial meeting with Tilly, at Guide Dogs Queensland, signals the beginning of her future without sight.
Six months ago, the popular 2003 Big Brother winner was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) — an inherited, degenerative condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Affecting one in 3000 Australians, the progression of RP varies considerably from person to person, so Reggie doesn’t know how long it will be before she goes blind.
For Reggie, who will have to decide whether or not to apply for a guide dog, this is the first step in the daunting process of accepting that she needs assistance.
“It’s just so overwhelming,” says Reggie, as she goes through a selection of white canes with Bashir Ebrahim, Guide Dogs Queensland Manager of Rehabilitation Services. “I am finding it hard to come to terms with what’s happening.
“I have always been so independent, I don’t like relying on people or asking for help — even though I need help. The Guide Dogs people told me people are often in denial about what is happening,” she says, before adding, “I’ll learn how to use the cane in the New Year.”
For the full story, see this week’s Woman’s Day (on sale December 15).
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