When Helen was six-years-old, her parents took her to see "an eminent oculist in Baltimore."  She had been deaf and blind for many years and they had hoped to find help for her.  They hoped that Dr. Chisholm would be able to help restore Helen's eyesight.  

Baltimore was far away from Alabama, and the journey was a long one.  They took a train to Baltimore.  Helen also mentioned that her aunt was on the train with them.  In Baltimore, they found out that the doctor could not help Helen.  He did, however, recommend that they go see Dr. Alexander Graham Bell in Washington DC.  Helen's father was discouraged as they traveled to Washington DC, but she loved "the excitement of moving from place to place."  

In Washington DC, they met with Dr. Bell.  Helen felt a special connection with Dr. Bell.  He recommended that Helen's parents contact Mr. Anagnos, who was the head of the Perkins Institution.  The school was located in Boston.  They hoped to find a teacher for Helen through Mr. Anagnos and his connections.  Helen described the meeting with Dr. Bell as one which would "be the door through which [she] should pass from darkness into light, from isolation to friendship, companionship, knowledge, love."