Lion Bequests $50,000 to Support Sight-Saving Programs
Even after his passing in March 2009, Lion Arvid Edwards continues to give the gift of sight to individuals in his community thanks to his generosity in life.
Lion Arvid, a 50-year member of the Platte City Lions and a long time supporter of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation, bequested to the Foundation a donation of $50,000. His heartlfelt contribution will help support the Foundation's five different programs, improving the quality of life for hundreds in M-4 and across Missouri.
To learn more about planned giving, please contact the Foundation development department at 800-283-1982, ext. 107 or at info@mlerf.org.
Eye Care Assistance Expands to Meet Demand
Due to a 30% increase in inquiries this past year, the Foundation's Eye Care Assistance (ECA) program is growing to help even more Missouri residents in 2010.
ECA assists Missourians who desperately need treatment for serious vision problems, but cannot afford care because they are uninsured and do not qualify for government aid. The Foundation comes to the rescue by providing gratis cornea tissue, pre- and post-op care and other financial assistance.
In addition to traditional assistance, ECA is expanding to offer Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) units for financially eligible, visually-impaired individuals. CCTV’s project a magnified image of a newspaper, book or other item with small print onto a TV screen, allowing someone who is nearly blind to clearly read the text.
If you know someone in need in your district, please contact the ECA coordinator by calling 800-753-2265, ext. 8504 or by completing our online ECA form to learn about qualifications and to receive an application.
Two Eye Donors Change One Woman's Life
Patricia of Branson faced an uphill battle when it came to her vision. Suffering from a degenerative corneal problem for ten years, Patricia began to feel the effects of poor eyesight in almost every aspect of her life.
 “My vision was blurry to the point when I would blink my eyes, it would be like looking through scum,” she said. “I had a constant glaze over my eyes. The doctor said my eyes were as cloudy looking in as they were looking out.”
Because of her condition, this married mother of one daughter no longer enjoyed reading and felt unsafe driving. She even faced difficulties performing at her job as an administrative assistant. Her only option for clearer vision was a corneal cell transplant in each eye.
In December 2008, to prepare for her transplants, Patricia underwent surgery to remove her cataracts. The recovery was difficult and led to even greater problems. “My eyes would get so foggy - just like when you go outside and your glasses fog up. I couldn’t drive competently, and the swelling was so bad.”
Thanks to the generosity of two eye donors, one from Missouri and one from Illinois, and the efforts of her dedicated surgeon, Patricia took the next step on the road to better vision by receiving a corneal cell transplant in March 2009 and another in May 2009. Finally, Patricia began to notice a remarkable improvement in her eyesight.
“The surgery on my left eye was first. When the doctor took the patch off, it looked like everything had just been washed clean. I couldn’t believe it!” While the right eye results have not been as positive, Patricia continues to see improvement day by day.
Today, Patricia is back to enjoying reading and driving, and feels more confident at her job. She also enjoys all the entertainment Branson has to offer since she can see the performers clearly for the first time in ten years.
Patricia encourages people to register as eye, organ and tissue donors and appreciates the generosity her donors had for others. “I don’t know what I would have done without my donors. Who knows how many more years I would have been able to function without the surgery. It means everything to me, and I wish I could meet their families in person one day and thank them.”
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Top 10 Foundation Contributors for 7/1/09 - 10/31/09
The following lists the Top 10 Giving Lions Clubs for the current fiscal year to date.
- Concord Village Lions - $12,000
- Wardsville Lions - $4,000
- Hermann Lions - $3,000
- Paris Lions - $2,500
- Moscow Mills Lions - $2,390
- Sedalia Lions - $2,175
- Owensville Lions - $2,000
- Cape Girardeau Lions - $2,000
- Concordia Lions - $1,513
- Maryville Host Lions - $1,500
Monthly Program Stats
Take a look at what we're doing in your community! Visit our Foundation statistics page to review monthly program stats for your Lions district.
Spread the Word About Virtual Ambassador
Are there Lions members in your club who do not currently receive MLERF's Virtual Ambassador newsletter? Encourage them to sign up today on the MLERF web site. Registration takes just minutes and will keep them on top of the latest happenings at the Foundation.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Free Amblyopia Prevention Screening
November 14, 2009, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
December 5, 2009, 9:00 a.m.
Foundation Library
404 Portland St.
Columbia, MO 65201
Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
March 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
Foundation Library
404 Portland St.
Columbia, MO 65201
Foundation board meetings are open to all Missouri Lions. For more information, contact info@mlerf.org. |
