"There is no practice. Only determination," said Chester County resident Natanya Sortland, who will rappel 10 stories on Friday, July 9, in support of Eye Drop 2021, VisionCorps' signature fundraiser during which participants rappel 120 feet from the roof of the Holiday Inn in downtown Lancaster to the ground, after committing to a fundraising minimum.

Sortland said she is committed to the feat despite her fear of heights as part of an effort to raise funds and awareness for VisionCorps after the nonprofit organization helped her when she became visually impaired. Sortland's vision was damaged after she suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a condition that often results in death or significant impairments.

"I became visually disabled a couple of years ago. (As a consequence), I was cutting my fingers, burning my hands and I almost got hit by a car. I could not read emails or pay bills," said Sortland, whose coordinator of care recommended that she contact VisionCorps for help. "I was really lucky that I finally gave VisionCorps a call. They gave me a caseworker and I told her about all the things that I was struggling with. She said that I would be OK and get my independence back and (find) a new way to live."

VisionCorps helped Sortland learn to overcome the obstacles that she encountered on a daily basis. "They came in and taught me how to use technology, cook and organize. Someone taught me to use my cane not only at home, but anywhere I needed to go. They offered me the world," she stated. "If I can't figure out how to do something, they can help me."

The Eye Drop was canceled in 2020 during the pandemic, but in 2019 120 people took part in the event, some with vision loss and some sighted, according to Carol Gifford, VisionCorps community relations specialist. "(Eye Drop) is run by a group of professionals," Gifford noted. "They are in charge of making sure the entire process is safe."

Although Sortland's limited vision is blurry, she will be aware of the building's height. "The first time the event came around, I said, 'No way,' but (this year) I realized that I have to do this because I need to make sure that other people get this help," said Sortland.

Sortland plans to dress as Lady Liberty since the event is close to the July 4 holiday and to represent her newly independent life. "I will not (back out)," she said. "My determination to get help (to the people who need it) will be stronger than my fear."

People who would like to financially support Sortland's effort may visit https://give.visioncorps.net/natanya for more information.

VisionCorps' Eye Drop event will be held at the Holiday Inn Lancaster, 26 E. Chestnut St., beginning at 9 a.m. All proceeds will help fund VisionCorps' prevention, rehabilitation and employment services, which are offered to those who are blind or have low vision in Adams, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties.

There are still open spots to join and rappel. For more information and to register, visit http://www.EyeDrop2021.org.