My family and I are grateful for the legacy my nephew left behind, and I am grateful for the gift of sight that I received from a very generous cornea donor.

I remember taking road trips as a young girl with my parents: my Dad and I would always play a game to see who could read the highways signs that were furthest away. Of course, I would always win because my vision was better than his.  I was so proud of myself that I was able to read the highway signs that were the most distant. While in my teen years I loved to read the newspaper, and remember being able to stand over one’s shoulder and read along with them.

In my late twenties, I noticed that I was not able to read from a distance clearly, the highway signs and the newspaper writing appeared double, with a ghost like image after each word. My vision had begun to deteriorate rapidly. 

I was diagnosed with a corneal abnormality called Keratoconus and was told the only cure for my condition would be a cornea transplant. In 1992, I received a cornea transplant in my right eye. The vision is my right eye has improved and I have a first hand understanding of the value of organ and tissue donation.

In 2007 I lost my nephew, Jordan, in a tragic death as a result of a senseless crime. To my surprise, at the age 21, He became an organ donor. Being a recipient of a tissue transplant, as well as a donor family member has greatly affected me. My family and I are grateful for the legacy my nephew left behind, and I am grateful for the gift of sight that I received from a very generous cornea donor.