Consumer Highlight: John Stefenak

John Stefenak’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the courage to forge his own path in the face of life’s challenges. Born and raised in the Fort Wayne area, John grew up alongside his five siblings, developing a deep sense of family and community. A proud graduate of Leo High School, he envisioned a future that blended education and hard work.

Determined to further his education, John attended Indiana University while working full-time at Best Beers, a prominent beer distributor. Balancing the rigors of academics and a full-time job was no easy task, but John’s unwavering dedication carried him through. Yet, as the financial burden of tuition grew heavier, he realized the traditional academic route wasn’t aligned with his personal and professional aspirations. The courses he was taking no longer felt relevant to the career he wanted, leading him to make a brave decision: he stepped away from his studies to pursue a career in the mortgage and refinance industry. This marked the beginning of a successful career, and John’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that success often comes from embracing change and following one’s true passions, rather than adhering to a prescribed path.

As his career in the mortgage industry flourished, John faced another unexpected challenge — his health. Diagnosed with the gene for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare condition that causes painless, progressive central vision loss, John had known for years that this genetic condition could eventually impact his eyesight. His uncle had already lost his vision to LHON, and his mother had ensured all her sons were tested for the gene. For much of his life, John had perfect vision, but in his late 40s, subtle changes began to occur.

The turning point came during the Canadian wildfires in 2023. The smoke from the fires severely impacted air quality, and John initially assumed the foggy vision he was experiencing was due to the poor air quality. But as the vision issues persisted, he sought medical help and learned that he was, indeed, losing his vision to LHON. His central vision deteriorated, although his peripheral vision remained intact — a small relief amid the growing challenges.

Determined to continue working, John initially relied on high-powered reading glasses, but they had little effect. As his vision worsened, he found himself facing new obstacles. He could no longer drive, which was particularly tough for him. “It felt like I was out in a lake with no life jacket,” he recalled. At work, tasks that were once simple became overwhelming. However, John’s spirit never wavered. He leaned on his existing network of colleagues and professional connections, many of whom offered rides and support to help him navigate both his personal and professional life.

Through the support of his network and as his journey took a challenging turn with the diagnosis of LHON, John first reached out to First Aid for the Blind, where he was guided by Brian. Brian was instrumental in encouraging John to connect with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), leading him to an assistive technology evaluation that would ultimately help him continue his professional career despite his vision loss. (First Aid for the Blind can be reached at 317-443-4836, and they offer invaluable support for individuals navigating similar challenges.)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state agency dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in maintaining or obtaining employment. John’s VR counselor recognized the need for assistive technology to enable John to continue working in his role at NEXA Mortgage. Despite the mortgage industry facing its own challenges due to a shifting economy, John knew he had to adapt and embrace technology if he wanted to continue pursuing his career.

Through an assistive technology evaluation, John was paired with Jim Rinehart, an assistive technology specialist with Easterseals Crossroads, who worked closely with him to assess his barriers and recommend technology solutions. Jim recommended several tools, including a desktop CCTV system, a ZoomText keyboard with high-contrast large keys, and the Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses, which ultimately proved to be game-changers for John.

The Patriot ViewPoint glasses, in particular, gave John the clarity he needed to continue reading emails and performing tasks that once seemed impossible. For John, using the glasses was a revelation: “When I am using the Patriot ViewPoint glasses, I feel like I’m not blind.” With these new tools and Jim’s guidance, John learned not just how to use assistive technology, but how to adjust his workspace and posture to maximize his remaining vision.

Assistive technology became more than just a set of tools — it became a lifeline. It empowered John to continue working in the mortgage industry, where most applications are completed online. His career, which had seemed uncertain in the face of vision loss, was revitalized through these innovations, allowing him to maintain his work and productivity.

John has also learned to lean on the support of his community. “Although being dependent on people is tough, I am learning to ask for help and creating a support network,” he shares. Through his professional connections and growing support network, John has not only found the resources he needs but also a sense of camaraderie and connection. He is also seeking to connect with others who share his condition, recognizing the importance of shared experience and mutual support.

Reflecting on his upbringing, John attributes much of his ability to stay positive and resilient to his mother, who was his grade school teacher at St. Therese. She instilled in him the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, regardless of the circumstances. She figured out creative ways to get him to read books, each one with a focus on positivity. John often reflects that his mother, with her unwavering optimism, prepared him for moments like these. Sadly, she passed away while working as a schoolteacher at Summit Middle School, where, for the past 25 years, they have been honoring her legacy with the Carolyn Stefanek Award, given to one student each year for their exemplary qualities.

John’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, the importance of community, and the unwavering commitment to one’s passions and purpose, even in the face of adversity. His experience also highlights how crucial assistive technology is in improving the lives of people with disabilities, increasing independence, and enabling individuals to continue pursuing their goals despite the challenges they may face.

Through his own story, John demonstrates that with the right support, technology, and mindset, it’s possible to overcome significant obstacles and maintain a fulfilling career and life. His ability to embrace and adapt to assistive tools like the Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses not only restored his confidence but also empowered him to continue contributing professionally, proving that technology can be a powerful enabler for people with disabilities.

Despite the health challenges, John’s determination to succeed in his career remains unwavering. If you need a mortgage for purchasing, refinancing, a home equity line of credit, or any type of commercial real estate lending, John is the person to call. You can reach him at 260-446-2224, email him at jstefanek@nexamortgage.com, visit his website at www.johnstefanek.com or www.NEXAJohn.com, or check his NMLS number 105386 for more information.

In addition to his work in the mortgage industry, John has recently found hope through a health supplement called ASEA, a cell signaling molecule supplement that has significantly improved his health. After hearing numerous positive testimonials, John decided to become an associate and share the benefits of the product with others. His new venture has given him a renewed sense of hope and a way to help others who may be facing their own health challenges.

John’s journey, filled with perseverance, community support and the willingness to embrace change, is a reminder that with the right mindset, resources and technology, anyone can overcome obstacles. He continues to inspire others, not just in his professional work but in his personal resilience and his willingness to share what he’s learned.