Meet Nate, A Budding Musician

Nate, an active seven-year-old, lives with his mom, dad, and two older brothers. A first grader, Nate is bright, opinionated but with an enthusiasm to learn and experience anything that comes his way. He also has Norrie Disease and is blind.

Diagnosed when he was a newborn, Nate was referred by his ophthalmologist to Dr. Antonio Capone, Jr. who he visited when he was three months old. At that time, he had surgery to remove the lenses from his eyes and the blood from behind his retinas, in the hope that they would reattach. Since his initial surgery, they have visited with Dr. Capone once a year. When asked, Nate may not be willing to say he has a favorite subject, but he does enjoy that and approaches his classroom with a quick intelligence and exceptional memory.  He has an aide in the classroom. He reads at grade level and is proficient in Braille.

Nate loves music. he began to take piano lessons when he was 5 years old. He studies the solfége method of musical training period with a great 'ear' for music, he has no problem reproducing the sounds that his teacher plays for him and was able to reproduce on the piano the classic 'Lightly Row' after he heard it at a concert.  A greater challenge is using the proper fingering to play the piano, but he has been practicing and is able to apply that skill when he is learning Braille.

Nate has many pictures and approaches them with the same skill and sense of humor.  He loves to play Bop It! Simon, an electric toy that is great for visually impaired children. He has taken up karate with his brothers and is enjoying the experience. A trampoline and an exercise ball challenge his balance and since a body in space.  Life will have many challenges for Nate, but with his cheerful attitude and desire to enjoy what he encounters, he will, no doubt, succeed.