H E L E N     K E L L E R

Born Helen Adams Keller on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, USA, the child developed a fever at 18 months of age.  Afterwards, Keller was blind, deaf, and mute.  At age 6, teacher Anne Mansfied Sullivan was hired as Keller's teacher; she taught Keller sign language and braille.  At age 10, Keller learned to speak.  In 1898, Helen entered the Cambridge School for Young Ladies. In the Autumn of 1900, Keller entered Radcliffe College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in 1904. Throughout the years, Sullivan remained at the student's side.  She formed letters into Keller's hand for comprehension of textbooks, college lectures, and conversation.  In 1915, Keller joined the Board of Directors of the Permanent Blind Relief War Fund.  In 1924 she joined the staff of the American Foundation for the blind as a counselor on national and international relations.  On June 30, 1925,  Keller addressed the Lions Club International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA.  She challenged lions to become "knights of the blind in this crusade against darkness". She said , "I am your opportunity.  I am knocking at your door."  Lions answered her knock at the door, and adopted Sight Conservation and  the Work with the Blind Program as  a major service initiative for lions worldwide.    On April 8, 1961 Keller received the Lions Humanitarian Award. Helen Keller died on June 1, 1968 at age 87.