Washington residents and those from the surrounding area have a chance to hear a voice of encouragement and inspiration this week, when Aquanetta Gordon visits to share her story of faith.

Gordon’s fourth child, Ben Underwood, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an aggressive cancer that eventually forced doctors to remove both of his eyes. Ben became known as “the boy who sees with sound,” after learning to navigate his surroundings using echolocation, according to a Gordon’s biography. Ben could rollerblade, ride a bike, shoot basketball and get around on his own mostly, using what Gordon, doctors and others believe was a God-given gift.

The mother and son inspired millions of viewers through their appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “CBS News” and other media outlets.

Ben’s cancer later recurred, and he died in 2009, a week before his 17^th birthday, the bio said.

Through the experience, Gordon has used her and Ben’s story as a way to inspire others, especially those with disabilities and their parents, according to Michael Sharpe, a close friend and 98.3 The Bridge FM media coordinator coordinating the visit.

“I think it’s very impactful because of the message that she brings,” Sharpe said. “She’s very encouraging and uplifting. Hearing her talk, it just flows out of her. It’s going to be a blessing to have her here and have her share from her heart.”

Gordon said she believes Ben’s life was meant to give back to the world. She also believes her story of a mother’s courage and strength, one that involved Gordon empowering Ben by not treating him as a disabled person, inspires the people she reaches through telling the story, she said.

“I’m just a mother,” Gordon said. “I never told him what he couldn’t do. I told him he could do anything. It’s just a message of encouragement, you know, that there are no impossibilities; that we’re here for each other. Ben was not able to see with his eyes, but he could see purely through the heart. He had vision beyond sight. The whole experience, from the time he was in my womb, was a God thing. It was a lot of trust and faith in God. (The message) is about the power of Christ — walking with him and trusting in him by faith and not by sight and allowing God to be in control of your life in a situation you have absolutely no control over. It’s a story of hope, love, joy, sadness — just everything is in it. The main focus is about God.”

Gordon is scheduled to speak several times over the course of her visit in Washington. She will speak at River City Christian Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. and give a devotional for clients at The Blind Center at 9 a.m., before the main speaking event, “An Evening of Inspiration” at the Turnage Theatre on Sunday at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public.

She will also share her 2014 book, “Echoes of an Angel,” based on Ben’s life and her experience as Ben’s mother while speaking to the people of Washington, she said.

“Come on out because there is going to be some really powerful words from her,” Sharpe said. “It will be encouraging, uplifting, inspirational and no matter what the situation, there is something that can definitely touch your heart.”

For more information about Gordon or her book, “Echoes of an Angel,” visit facebook.com/aquanetta.gordon.