Anne Sullivan Macy is renowned for her lifelong instruction and companionship of Helen Keller. A model of kindness, perseverance, generosity, and hope, Sullivan overcame many obstacles in her life in order to undertake this extraordinary task.  Born into poverty, nearly blind herself, and a graduate of Perkins School for the Blind, Anne graduated valedictorian of her class. As a child, she endured three failed operations to restore her sight, but later operations improved her vision.  She did not let her new abilities deter her from helping others who had suffered as she had.  Just a year after her graduation from Perkins, Anne was hired as a teacher for seven-year-old Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf.  It was the beginning of an extraordinary forty-nine-year relationship, blossoming from teacher and governess to companion and friend.  Annie taught Helen to read, speak, study, and ultimately attain a degree from Radcliffe College.  She stood by her through life.  Both women are stellar role models of the possible in life, but Annie Sullivan stands out for a degree of perseverance in adversity that is truly remarkable.