Malvern Woman Ready To Rappel Down 10-Story Building Again

MALVERN, PA — Natanya Sortland of Malvern has a determination seldom seen.

The 49-year-old blind woman was terrified last June when she rappelled 10 stories down a Lancaster building.

But she’s doing it again this year.

That’s because Sortland wants to give back to VisionCorps, the Lancaster County-based nonprofit that helped her learn to live independently when she lost her eyesight in 2014.

“I am hoping to pay VisionCorps back,” Sortland said of her plans to dress up as Lady Liberty and rappel down the Holiday Inn, Lancaster, Friday June 10 at the Eye Drop 2022 event.

The proceeds from the event will support VisionCorps services, including education and prevention of blindness, rehabilitation and employment.

Sortland remembers what it was like last year when she took the challenge.

“They leave you hanging by the ropes, but you will not fall,” she said. “The crowd was cheering. It was wonderful.”

Sortland moved to Chester County from Virginia when she was 21 to work at Walnut Street Theatre. She later moved to Chester County to work with animals.

“I had a regular, secure job,” she recalled. “On a nice Saturday, I was medevaced and told I had a 30% chance of living.”

In 2014, Sortland's vision was damaged after she suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a condition that often results in death or significant impairment.

She is so grateful to VisionCorps for providing her with services she needs to lead a productive life in Chester County.

“I like Chester County,” Sortland said. “It’s a great animal area. I will dress up as Lady Liberty and propel down the building.”

Sortland attributed Vision Corps for bringing her life back into focus. She’s hoping that support groups will be available on Zoom for the visually impaired.

This is the third year for the rapelling event.

Participants support neighbors who are blind or have low vision in Adams, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties.

All proceeds help fund VisionCorps' prevention, rehabilitation, and employment services. The team's page is here.

Sortland’s funding raising page is available here.