All of us here at Options were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our former board members, and a great advocate to the disabled community, Betty Palega. Betty was a familiar face at Options events, and a willing contributor to the agency. She suffered a visual impairment, which she adapted to beautifully. She shared much of what she learned adjusting to this impairment with many groups of children at our annual Disability Awareness Day. The children were always intrigued to try her magnifiers, braille books and other devices that helped her navigate the sighted world. She always approached the children with humor and optimism that conveyed the message that she was perfectly okay with her sight loss, allowing them a glimpse of the human spirit that drives our success.

Betty first came to Options many years ago, working beside Guy Cosentino as Options board chair. What she lacked in vision she made up for in tenacity. Nothing was ever too daunting or insurmountable to her, and she quickly earned the respect of those around her through her capable attention to the matters at hand.

What makes someone a good advocate? While there is some truth to the fact that personal involvement with an issue is a part of it, the heart of an advocate is the primary driver of a good advocate. We all are familiar with the spokesperson that has experienced a disability and becomes involved in the very cause that has brought him to where he is. Christopher Reeve comes quickly to mind when one thinks of advocates for paralysis. A prominent actor paralyzed by a riding accident turned advocate for research and prevention of the same. Many times the expectation is that the person whose life has had a significant change just disappears, but it is the heart of an advocate that perseveres. Betty Palega had such a heart, and even though she is no longer with us, she still gives to this agency through her inspiration as an advocate. She allocated contributions from her husband's passing to Options, and followed suit in her estate plans when she passed away. Her family has donated equipment to Options that will assist our vision-impaired consumers. It is a wonderful legacy to live on after her.

Betty's legacy as an advocate provides us all with the inspiration and motivation to improve the lives of others in both big and small ways. While it is not conceivable that we all can contribute financially, or by speaking from personal experience, it is likely that we all do have something to offer. It could be as simple as attending a fundraiser for a particular cause. There are times when the smallest action can produce the biggest result. Next week's article will focus on this by highlighting the ombudsman program that supports consumers in nursing homes through many volunteer hands. The time that you spend just visiting someone that is a shut-in or encouraging a child with a learning disability is advocacy. It encompasses the education, motivation and inspiration of all people. For in giving, we receive understanding and compassion.

Susan Storms is board president at Options for Independence