Lupita Abrego of the First Presbyterian Church of San Benito is seen sitting at her piano. She will be performing at a recital Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. (Courtesy photo)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Temporary blindness won’t stop Lupita Abrego, the 48-year-old church secretary and pianist for First Presbyterian Church of San Benito, from playing an annual recital at the church this Saturday.
Born and raised in San Benito, Abrego explained that she has a condition known as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (Harada’s) disease, which complicates one’s vision and can cause severe pain, eye redness, vision loss and even blindness.
Abrego’s bout with Harada’s had been in remission, she said, but has once-again become an active threat to her vision. In fact, just three days after her annual recital at First Presbyterian, Abrego said she will undergo another major surgery in an attempt at correcting her vision, hopefully permanently.
Abrego said several previous surgeries, such as the instillation of a valve implant, have left her temporarily blind. The pianist explained, to those not familiar with the symptoms of Harada’s disease, that “Right now, I can see, but I see a lot of fog.”
“Steroids are all that have helped,” said Abrego. “But, (they are helping) no more.”
Using steroids comes at a cost to one’s overall health, and as Abrego noted, at least one price she paid for utilizing the drug was a drastic weight gain. She said she gained over 100 pounds shortly after beginning treatments. She said she considers her choice, “I can either gain weight, or I can see.”
The pianist shared that she has encountered rude strangers, who look down on her because of her weight. Some have made negative comments such as, “It makes me sick to look at her,” said Abrego. “People shouldn’t judge by what you look like. You don’t know what is behind the person.”
Abrego shared that looks alone are not enough to base an opinion, especially when there can be extenuating circumstances factoring into what is visible to onlookers.
Additionally, Abrego – who once had 20-20 vision – said, “I can’t stress enough that people need to take care of their eyes.” She added, “The times I’ve been blind, I’m fortunate because at least I can remember what things look like. There are some people who have never been able to see.”
Living alone would be difficult with limited vision, but fortunately for Abrego, she said, “After my mother died, a new church member from Bay City came. She is an angel to me. We live together, and we take care of each other.” Abrego’s “angel” is an older lady who Abrego said “everyone calls Grandma Betsy.”
Abrego accredits God with bringing her close to Him. She said, “It’s your faith, trying to trust God that has helped me through everything. I feel like this has been a long journey, with God by my side.”
Abrego has been playing the piano for nearly four decades. She says, “At home, I have a grand that my parents bought for me.” She explained that for Saturday’s recital, she’s been practicing five hours a day.
“God knows what is best for us,” Abrego said,” And he will take care of it (our needs). I feel fortunate that God gave me the talent (piano), to help people praise Him.” The recital will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and will be followed by refreshments at the fellowship hall. All are invited to attend.
Harada’s disease is a multisystem autoimmune disorder which affects pigmented tissues in the ocular, auditory and central nervous systems. Corticosteroids are generally prescribed for treatment, but sometimes, a patient grows immune to the effects.
Patients are typically diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 20 and 50, and individuals of ethnic heritages are more likely to be diagnosed than others. If you or someone you know seeks further information regarding this disease, seek counsel of a physician and/or contact the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association at (800) 598-4668.
Read this story in the Dec. 12 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
2 comments
Lupita is a dangerous predator with a long history of elder abuse, manipulation, and theft; who allegedly could be responsible for the death of at least 2, and who has stolen or attempted to fraudulently claim the inheritance of multiple families, including mine. I am fortunate we were able to rescue my grandmother from her clutches before she lost her life. She was emaciated and unwashed, and while Lupita was able to siphon thousands of dollars out of her, my family was able to have a good number of years with our beloved grandmother after removing her from San Benito. I am hopeful your community has been freed from this menace.
Lupita is a brave person who always thinks of others before herself. I wish her the best and pray that she will overcome this illness. She is an excellent pianist and brings joy to our worship services. I hope everyone attends the recital and enjoys the beautiful music.