Dan Receives a New Lease on Life
Dan, a high school French teacher, has keratoconus, an eye disease that makes a normally sphere-shaped cornea become increasingly cone-shaped. In its early stages, keratoconus causes a slight blurring of the vision and a sensitivity to light. As the disease advances, however, the cornea becomes thinner and thinner, causing significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected. A cornea transplant is the only treatment.
After his cornea transplant, Dan spoke at a Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Donor and Family Recognition Service.
“I will never be able to put in words how thankful I am to the surgeons and scientists who have donated their lives to this cause. It is through their dedication that many people have been given the gift of sight.”
The audience was primarily made up of donor families and friends. Dan could hear the faint sound of sobbing.
“Words will never do justice to the gift I have received. I get up every morning and thank God for this gift that your loved one has so unselfishly given up. Thank you. I can only say that I have taken better care of this gift than any gift I have ever received.”
The Gift Continues
As a teacher, I can open up the eyes of my students. And some day they can open the eyes of others. The gift I received will keep on giving. Through your loved ones' donations, many will see and continue to see.”