Curtis,
First, welcome to APUG.
Second, I now remember you from a couple other Community Forums where you came in, started some interesting threads, made some interesting statements, and the subsequent posts are kind of being repeated here.
I am amazed and I fully admire that you have the guts to enjoy photography and that you still strive to continue to do something you like, despite the harsh setback you have suffered.
Can I suggest you stay and particpate? And can I also offer that, if things don't exactly go the way you envision, not to just throw up your arms and leave? Why not hang here, read, contribute ideas, post images if you can, provide feedback on gallery images?
Regards, Art.