Enid News: “Live Every Day to the Fullest” Enid woman doesn’t let obstacle stand in her way
Enid resident Kristi Bingham lives life to the fullest, thanks to the skills she's gained at places such as Helen Keller National Center.
By Caitlyn Decker, Enid News & Eagle
June 23, 2024
Original article on Enid News & Eagle’s website
ENID, Okla. — Nothing stops Enid resident Kristi Bingham from living life to the fullest — not even compromised hearing and sight.
Born with cataracts on both of her eyes, Bingham has had hindered vision in her left eye and none in her right from nearly the beginning. At the age of 4, she was diagnosed with glaucoma, which closed her vision of the world completely and opened a new world of obstacles to overcome that grew in 2018 when she discovered she has 50% hearing loss due to a work accident. Despite the trials and adjustments that these challenges have made, it hasn’t slowed Bingham down or given her a dim view on life.
“Life definitely has had its challenges, but it’s been a growing process that I hope I can use to help others,” Bingham said. “Many people think that those who are blind, deaf or impaired in those areas can’t do much, but the truth is that there is so much more training and technology out there these days and with a person’s drive to do it, there is so much of life to be had and given. It’s my goal to live every day to the fullest and help people to do the same.”
As part of her training, Bingham began at Oklahoma School for the Blind at the age of 4 before coming back to her hometown of Enid for middle and high school, where she competed in swimming and extracurricular activities alongside her classmates. She went on to Helen Keller National Center, where she received further training for life and helped a few people there too along the way.
“I love being around people and my goal is to help people like so many people have helped me, even if it’s just by being a listening ear,” Bingham said. “When I was at Helen Keller, there was a girl that had Charge syndrome, which I wasn’t familiar with, but drove her to have emotional outbursts. During one particular time, I was there and was able to calm her down and talk to her, and that gave me so much joy to be able to help and be there for someone else who was having a hard time.”
Of course, the constant difficulties can feel heavy, especially in certain seasons like the current one, where Bingham is applying for positions and looking for a place of work. In these moments, Bingham still doesn’t fade, however, but clings to her faith and the good in her life.
“There are days that it is hard, but I always have to remind myself that I can’t stay in a negative state of mind because that isn’t going to change anything,” Bingham said. “I have so much to be thankful for and I strongly believe there is a God and definitely believe that He is good and has a plan in everything, even when it’s hard and I don’t see it. It’s this and the intention to stay positive that keeps me going and gives me hope.”
This hope and ambition to bring it to others is what draws many to Bingham and led the staff behind Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to select her as the 2024 spokesperson for DeafBlind Awareness Week, which is the last week in June. In such a role, Bingham will attend events planned, such as the DeafBlind free resource fair June 27 in Oklahoma City, and speak to those who face the same challenges she does.
“I want people to know if they are going through hearing impairment, visual loss or both and struggling with it that they are not alone,” Bingham said. “I understand what they’re going through because I’ve been there and done that myself. I know that being patient and gentle, they may get frustrated, but you’ve got to be patient with them and build them up.”
These are ambitions Bingham has for not only those struggling with sight or hearing, but anyone she can as she seeks employment.
Jody Harlan, communications director for the Department of Rehabilitation Services, sees this clearly.
“Kristi Bingham is positive, smart, resilient after facing a series of challenges and willing to encourage others and share what she has learned about deaf and blindness while making a better life for herself,” Harlan said.
Kelley Gutierrez, Kristi’s DeafBlind counselor, echoes those thoughts and said that while Bingham can’t see, she has a sharp mind for details and memory and a pleasant voice that make her enjoyable to be around.
Bingham is the type of person who loves being around people and making children laugh. She’s an open home to parakeets, doves, cats and dogs and any stray that makes it to her doorstep. She’s a caring hand to her tomato, pepper and garden plants all summer through.
