A familiar, friendly face in Hornell NY lost his vision as a young child
By: Johanna Elattar
At just five years old, Christopher Lomax faced a life-altering challenge that most people can’t imagine. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Christopher’s family was forced to make a devastating choice: proceed with surgery that would save his life but cost him his sight, or forgo treatment and face the tumor’s fatal consequences. Naturally, they chose life, and Christopher has been proving ever since that blindness is not a limitation but an opportunity to shine.
Now 28 years old, Christopher Lomax’s journey is an extraordinary testament to resilience, independence, and perseverance. Losing his sight at such a young age, Christopher struggled to adjust to his new reality. The tumor’s removal left him completely blind in one eye and with limited perception of light and shadows in the other. Like many children, Christopher questioned if he had done something wrong to deserve his condition. But his mother, steadfast in her resolve, refused to let him wallow in self-pity. Instead, she encouraged independence, equipping him with the tools to navigate a world that wasn’t built for the visually impaired.
Though Christopher’s sight was taken from him, his mind remains vividly visual. He remembers 95% of what he saw before losing his vision. He can recall colors, letters, and numbers and even write, retaining a connection to the visual world that enriches his perspective. However, the early days were not easy. Christopher had to relearn basic tasks and adapt to new methods, such as learning Braille. While his peers played games he could no longer join, he found comfort in spending time with older children, who were calmer and easier for him to understand.
Christopher’s education began at a school for visually impaired children, but he quickly outgrew its curriculum. Many of the students faced additional physical or mental challenges that Christopher did not have, which hindered the pace of learning. Recognizing his potential, his family transitioned him to public school, where he excelled academically with the help of a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). This support remained with him through middle and high school, enabling him to achieve high scores on state tests and thrive in a mainstream environment.
Christopher’s journey into adulthood was not without obstacles. After attending Alfred State briefly, he found that the school’s lack of services for the blind made continuing his education untenable. Determined to forge his own path, Christopher entered the workforce. Yet, finding a job was a Herculean task. He applied for approximately 200 positions before landing a role at Lowe’s, where he has worked for the past two years as a Greeter. In this role, he assists customers, helps them locate items, and even aids in loading purchases into their vehicles. Lowe’s weekly training sessions keep him up to date and further showcase his capability.
Christopher briefly had a seeing-eye dog, Phoenix, in 2016. However, Phoenix struggled with large crowds, prompting Christopher to return him for retraining. Despite this, Christopher finds independence without a guide dog, though he remains open to the possibility of partnering with another one in the future.
Transportation remains a challenge. Christopher relies heavily on the Hornell Area Transit (HAT) bus but has found the new 24-hour rule for Dial-A-Ride pickups to be restrictive. Last-minute work shifts often mean turning to family and friends for rides.
One of the most significant misconceptions Christopher faces is the belief that blindness equates to an inability to contribute or succeed. He passionately refutes this notion, urging people to give the visually impaired a chance to prove their worth. Christopher’s perseverance in applying for jobs and his success at Lowe’s are proof of his capabilities.
Christopher is deeply rooted in his faith. As a deacon at The First Baptist Church of Hornell, he leads Tuesday night prayer groups and welcomes anyone seeking spiritual support. His community involvement extends beyond the church as he continues to inspire others with his story.
Looking to the future, Christopher dreams of opening his own bakery. An accomplished baker, he creates delectable treats like brownies and cookie bars daily. Culinary school and eventually relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has family, are part of his long-term goals. Christopher’s philosophy, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” underscores his unwavering determination.
Christopher Lomax’s story is a shining example of resilience, faith, and the power of persistence. In a world often too quick to underestimate those with disabilities, Christopher stands as a reminder that the only true limitations are those we place on ourselves. As he continues to break barriers and defy expectations, Christopher remains an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing him.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based writer who loves special people stories like this! Contact her anytime at, americangrrl70@gmail.com.
