Cornea Transplant Opens New Chapter in a Recipient's Life

When you tell someone you work in a library, they automatically think you're an avid reader. But for Denise, a part-time library employee, the opposite was true. Not because she didn't love to read, but because a lifelong eye condition affected her vision so much she couldn't.

Denise was legally blind in her right eye, which caused significant limitations in her life. "I wrote really big so I could see better," she said. "And whenever I was walking, I would have to look down the whole time to see if the surface was flat. If I came to steps, I would look for something to hold on to with my right hand or hang on to somebody."

Finally, in 2004, Denise underwent a cornea transplant. According to Denise, the transplant went smoothly - she had no pain during the surgery or recovery. Best of all, only 24 hours later, vision in her right eye went from 20/200 to 20/70, and today it's 20/30. Said Denise, "It's remarkable! I just wanted some vision back - I got a lot more than I expected!"

Today, Denise is back to reading again. She's also taken up cross-stitching - a hobby she loved, but hadn't been able to do in 20 years due to her limited vision. In addition, Denise is able to drive at night, something she couldn't do prior to surgery, giving her more freedom and mobility in her day-to-day life.

Denise is a wonderful example of how generous cornea donors and financial donors can change one's life so dramatically. To learn more about National Eye Donor Month, visit the HLEB Web site at www.hleb.org.

Your Eyeglass Donations Make a Difference!

In January, thanks to the generous donations and hard work of the Missouri Lions, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation donated 2,750 pairs of eyeglasses to our Global Sight Network partner, the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) to take on upcoming mission trips to Haiti and Africa.

Tony Bavuso, the Foundation's Chief Operating Officer, received the following letter from HCP, thanking the organization for the donation.

Dear Tony, Ron, Annie and staff,

A gigantic thank you to the Heartland Lions Eye Banks for the very generous donation of all the pairs of glasses. They will be distributed to people in great need in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia and some to Haiti.

On behalf of the Himalayan Cataract Project and the people we serve, please accept our heartfelt thanks.

With best wishes for the new year,
Dr. Matt Oliva

(Photo courtesy of Ace Kvale)

Heartland Lions Eye Bank in the News!

In recognition of National Eye Donor Month, WDAF, the Fox affiliate in Kansas City, featured an interview with Jachin Misko, the Eye Bank Technical Director, and Judy Nelson, a cornea recipient. Both did a wonderful job promoting eye and organ donation.

To watch the video, visit the WDAF Web site, or for more information on DSAEK, check out the HLEB Web site.

NEDM Posters Now Available

Spreading the word about National Eye Donor Month (NEDM) and the importance of eye and organ donation is as simple as hanging NEDM posters throughout your community.

The Foundation office currently has a number of NEDM posters available now. To order yours at no cost, feel free to contact the PR department at info@mlerf.org or at 1-800-283-1982, ext. 115.

A Big Thank You for Your Feedback!

The Foundation's PR department appreciates everyone who participated in the Virtual Ambassador survey last month. Your feedback will help us tremendously as we move forward with our upcoming issues.

The following Lions were randomly selected to receive a free NEDM t-shirt for participating:

• PDG Eugene Taylor, M2
• Lion Johnny Stabno, M5
• Lion Sandy McCann, M3
• PDG Wendell Johnson, M4
• DG Joe Bullock, M4
• Lion Melissa Gerardy, M3
• PDG Bill Boehmer, M4
• Lion Carl Strieder, M2
• Lion Patty Mangels, M3
• Lion Larry McClellan, M2

See the Foundation at Your District Convention

Throughout March, the Foundation will be presenting at District Conventions across Missouri. Be sure to find out what's going on at the Foundation at one of these events:

• M2, March 27th, Holiday Inn - Viking, St. Louis
• M4, March 21st, Grand River Inn, Chillicothe
• M6, March 28th, University Plaza, Springfield

Upcoming Dates to Remember

National Eye Donor Month
March 1-31
Encourage your family and friends to register as organ and tissue donors on www.donatelife.net.

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
March 14, 9:00 a.m.
404 Portland St., Columbia, MO
Meeting is open to all MO Lions, for more information contact info@mlerf.org