Lynn Hohn has been an equestrian most of her life. She lost her vision permanently in April and is now learning how to ride with her new physical handicap. (submitted photo)

Lynn Hohn of Millstadt was diagnosed in March with both hyponatremia, aka low sodium levels, and sinusitis — inflamed sinuses.

“This is a first,” Hohn said on Facebook at the time. “Doc says to eat salt.”

Her problem began to worsen during her stay at the hospital.

“Have to have sinus cleaned out,” an April 1 Facebook post said. “Have (two) major infections going on in my head. One is pressing on my left (eye); that is why I am not seeing well. So glad when I can see again.”

Unfortunately, Hohn’s vision never returned, as a fungal ball attached to the optic nerve of her left eye and the infection spread to her right eye shortly after.

“This all happened very quickly,” Hohn’s close friend, Casey Bivens of Belleville, told the Republic-Times. “She returned home at the beginning of May but now has to learn to live again.”

Bivens saw the upcoming Hoofbeats Open Pleasure Horse Show as an opportunity to give back to her friend, since Hohn continues to do so much for the Hoofbeats 4-H organization.

A silent auction to help pay for medical expenses incurred by Hohn will take place during the horse show, which takes place this Saturday at the Monroe County Fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m.

“Lynn is a huge supporter of 4-H,” she said. “She’s always bringing kids to events and teaching them things,” Bivens said. “When I found out recently, it broke my heart. I can’t even imagine losing my vision (so suddenly).”

Hohn’s generosity with 4-H extends beyond her physical health problems, as she even donated to the Hoofbeats program for this year’s event. Hohn is a longtime equestrian herself.

“She sent money, and I said, ‘Lynn, you’re not doing this,’ and she said, ‘No, no, it’s all about the kids.’”

“Those kids need it,” Hohn said. “It’s a good thing for them, and it’s a good thing for the people who donate.”

The fundraiser for Hohn includes such auction items as a Scentsy basket courtesy of Lindsay Cumback, Mr. BBQ gift certificate courtesy of Kiwan Guyton, and a hand-forged horseshoe boot rack courtesy of Paul Skaggs, among other gifts.

To donate an item, contact Bivens at caliesmom05@gmail.com.

“When (Casey) told me they were doing (the auction), it just blew me away,” Hohn said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Hohn is also determined to ride horses again one day. However, she realizes to do so will take a lot of time and trial and error.

“I’ve done it for 40 years, so it’s not like I’m going to say, ‘Well, I’m not doing this anymore,’” she said. “I will ride again.”

One struggle she faces with learning how to ride again is that her lack of vision throws off her balance. Though some days are more difficult than others, Hohn persists with her keen sense of humor.

“You have to look at it and laugh,” she said. “I told my husband one day when I messed up, ‘Honey, I’m like a dumb blonde now.’ I can’t walk and chew gum anymore.”