Joyce Cid Is Honored For Her Efforts Helping The Blind

"I'm not mad at God for losing my sight," said Joyce Cid. "It's because I closed my eyes too many times to too many things when I could see." 

Cid, who was diagnosed with retonitis pigmintosa in 1982 when she worked at the County Hospital, slowly lost her vision completely by 2001. She took classes in body work, and now works from her home as a massage therapist. She is a deeply spiritual person, and a beacon of optimism and warmth. 

"I've been doing body work for 21 years," she said. "I read 20 books a month. Life is good." 

Cid was recently honored by the Martinez City Council for her fundraising efforts in April, when she raised over $15,000 to send kids to Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, run by Lighthouse for the Blind.

She recounts a trip she took with two other sightless friends to Sedona, Arizona. It was there, she said, that "I felt like I was one with Mother Earth." And, she added, she received a message from a Native American spirit guide: "don't fear the darkness." 

Last year was a dark time for Cid: she lost one of her best friends to cancer, her brother died, as did her mother and two guide dogs. This year, she said, is devoted to celebrating life. 

And by all appearances, Joyce Cid is doing just that.