Everyday Heroes: Giving the Gift of Sight

In honor of Eye Donation Month this year, we’re celebrating everyday heroes who gave the gift of sight. Throughout November, we raise awareness about cornea donation and transplantation, celebrate restored vision, and honor those who gave this generous gift. We asked two of our donor families to share their loved ones’ stories to honor their legacy as cornea donors.

Antonio's Gifts

Antonio will always be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, and a caring grandfather. He lived in a way that showed kindness to everyone around him. His wife, Pam, says he had a deep love for his family, friends, and his church. He often said, “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” These simple words had quite an impact and still bring a smile to Pam’s face. She says Antonio had a special way of making you feel his love, and he “made ordinary days special.”

Antonio had a unique connection to donation, being both a transplant recipient and a donor. In 2011, he learned diabetes had taken a toll on his body. His kidneys were failing, and he needed a transplant. Pam jumped into action to learn more about organ donation and get tested as a living donor. She was a match and just two years later, she gave him the beautiful gift of a second chance. Before this, neither of them knew much about donation. They supported it and were registered donors. But the experience changed their lives, and they became strong advocates for donation.

Antonio lived another 11 years with gratitude for his second chance. He officiated his daughter’s wedding, spent time with his grandsons, and witnessed his youngest daughter’s engagement. When Antonio lost his battle with cancer, he had the chance to be on the other side of donation as a cornea donor.

Pam says his donation reminds her and the rest of the family of his generous and giving spirit, which helps in their healing, “It brings me great comfort to know that through Antonio’s cornea donation, someone else can now see the faces of their loved ones and the blessings life offers. It helps me focus on the good that came from his kindness and gives me emotional strength as I navigate my journey toward healing.”

A Family Legacy

David was a happy, smart, and enthusiastic young man. He liked to snowboard and skateboard. His mom, Jessica, misses his hugs and his goofy sense of humor. She recalls, “David’s toddler cousin was hanging out with us and wanted some chocolate milk. David offered to make it. Then he took a sip for himself, smacked his lips, and said, ‘Yep it’s good’ and handed it to his cousin.” Jessica holds onto this story, which turned out to be one of her last memories with her son.

The next day, David drove to a friend’s house to bring him a snack before heading to work. On the way, he ran off the road. David died doing something kind for a friend. To his family, this was an example of the same giving spirit behind his decision to be a donor.

David’s tissue helped 117 people. He also gave someone the gift of sight, which has helped Jessica over the years, “I am a proud parent of a cornea donor. Because of his decision, he is helping someone else see the beauty in this world. That person gets to see the beautiful sun, moon and their family, all because of my son!”

From birth, David had a special bond with his grandmother, Billie. He was her first grandchild, and she helped his parents a lot when he was a baby. As he grew up, they stayed close. He loved going to Grandma’s house just to hang out or help with her puzzles. And Billie was at all of his basketball and football games. Losing David impacted everyone, but Jessica says Billie was inspired by his decision to donate, “Finding out he helped so many people in different ways opened her eyes to the world of donation. She was proud of him and wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

Seven years later, Billie’s sudden death devastated Jessica. But her mom became a hero, just like David. While she misses her mom and son every day, she can’t help but beam with pride when she thinks about the legacy they both left behind. “Amazed, proud, and humbled are a few of the feelings. Never did I think this would or could happen, but it’s been a blessing.”

Be An Everyday Hero

Nearly anyone can become a cornea donor like Antonio, David, and Billie. Unlike organ donation, there is no need for matching blood types. There are only a few diseases that would prevent someone from being an eye donor. You can even be a cornea donor if you have poor eyesight. If you feel inspired, take a minute and sign up here to have the chance to be a hero yourself.