Visioncorps is accepting Braille letters to send to Santa. Kids who submit a letter will hear back even if it is after Christmas. Erika Rothermel is a teacher of the blind and visually impaired at Visioncorps.

“So being able to write a letter to Santa is a long standing tradition that children have been doing for years. But being able to open it up to the Braille population has been a new adventure. And it's, yeah, something fun to include everybody. So we started doing that here at Vision Core about five years ago, “said Rothermel.

9-year-old JJ Maldonado took advantage of the opportunity and is looking forward to hear back from Santa soon.

“I asked for a microphone.. and a police car, “said Maldonado.”

Maldonado’s mother, Yaritza Riversa says Visioncorps has helped with JJ’s journey. JJ was diagnosed with cancer at just a month old.

“He was born with cancer. It's a genetic type of cancer. But he's that one person that was actually born without mom and dad having that gene. And it is bilateral, meaning he has it in both eyes, “said Rivera.

He began chemo at just three months old and underwent a lot of chemo and radiation.

“He actually got his right eye removed at the age of three years old. And that's kind of where the vision kind of went down a little bit. I'm the only eye he had. And so, yeah, and then Vision Corp kicked in and helped so much during this transition because it's definitely tough and they made it so much easier, especially for JJ and myself, because, you know, as a mom, it's like, what do I do? Not knowing this is on you. So, they have been a blessing to us. And even though JJ is now in school when he's 13, they still involved him and everything, and they're there for him no matter what. Just on a on a regular time. You know, they check up on Jay and make sure he's doing great. So they're amazing and we are so blessed to have them, “said Rivera.

According to JJ, learning braille can be challenging.

“It's really hard to learn all the contractions and all how to like type with your fingers and how to read properly. It's been a hard journey, “said Malonado.

When JJ grows up, he wants to be a rapper. Listen to the podcast link to her his performance.

There is no deadline for letter submission this holiday season. For those looking to send their letters to Santa in braille, letters can be addressed:

Santa’s Attention, VisionCorps (Erika Rothermel, head elf)

244 N. Queen St. Lancaster, Pa. 17603

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