VisionGift

“My donor and their family did not just improve my sight, they gave me my entire life, my independence and my confidence back.”

For several years, Natania watched the vision in her left eye (her “good eye”) slowly disappear. Severe corneal edema caused halos around lights, constant irritation and increasingly blurred vision. Complications led to painful blisters across her cornea and, ultimately, a corneal ulcer requiring emergency care at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Tasks like reading, putting toothpaste on a toothbrush or even recognizing the expressions on the faces of loved ones became difficult. “It felt as though I was walking through intense fog everywhere I went,” she recalls. “My whole world was shrinking.”

Throughout the uncertainty, Natania’s family became an essential part of her journey. Her mother and twin sister accompanied her to appointments, loved ones helped prepare for surgery, and her family adapted her surroundings to help her remain independent and connected to the world around her. Still, restoring Natania’s vision would ultimately require something no one in her family could provide: the generosity of a cornea donor.

“Through an extraordinary act of selflessness, light returned to my world,” Natania says. Following a DMEK partial cornea transplant, her vision improved dramatically. Today, she can read, safely navigate her surroundings, and once again enjoy the beauty around her. “My family and I look at each other every single day and say, ‘It’s a whole new world.’”

“My donor and their family did not just improve my sight, they gave me my entire life, my independence and my confidence back”. The experience has also shaped the way Natania approaches her own work as an occupational therapist, deepening her empathy for people navigating life-changing challenges. Today, her eye continues to heal, and she carries profound gratitude for her donor family and the Wilmer Eye Institute team who cared for her. “To every donor family out there: please know that your loved ones are true heroes. They grant people who are suffering a second chance to truly live, thrive and see the beauty in the world again.”

PS, if you are seeing double, that's because this photo is of Natania (on the right) and her twin sister.

Photo courtesy of https://www.richarddalcinphotographicartistry.com/

Recipient Story of Hope: Natania : VisionGift “My donor and their family did not just improve my sight, they gave me my entire life, my independence and my confidence back.”For several years, Natania watched the vision in her left eye (her “good eye”) slowly disappear. Severe corneal edema caused halos around lights, constant irritation...

As a cornea recipient, we encourage you to communicate with your donor’s family. Many recipients struggle with the decision to write as they may not know how to say “thank you” for such a precious gift. But donor families do appreciate and often find comfort in knowing that the transplant was successful and has made a difference in someone’s life.

Learn how you can write your letter: www.visiongift.org/letter/

: Is the whole eye transplanted?

: No, only the corneas can be transplanted. However, the entire eye may be recovered for use in research or education.

Back to school means it’s time for the first test of the year. But this one is for the whole family! How many of these donation & transplant emojis do you actually know?

It was a year ago today that donor families and donation advocates gathered at a Hillsboro Hops game to celebrate the lives saved through organ, eye and tissue donation. One of the most moving moments was when donor mom and VisionGift board member, Leslie Coefield threw out the first pitch in honor of her son, Brian. A new bench was also dedicated in Brian’s memory. a lasting reminder of the light he continues to shine more than three decades later.

You can see KGW-TV’s story here: https://youtu.be/Ce8fTqLtdcs?si=CSsGGZONlKY4L_mN

On this day in 1939, 'The Wizard of Oz' hit theaters - and the Tin Man reminded us just how important a heart can be. 💚💙

You don’t need a wizard to give someone a second chance. Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today at www.RegisterMe.org

Teresa Rambaud was just 14 when she was diagnosed with . By age 20, she had lost her sight completely. Life became difficult. She relied on family, teachers and classmates to help her through school and everyday life. Then, at ages 22 and 24, Teresa received two cornea transplants. After nearly four years of darkness, she could see again - faces, colors and the world around her.

Years later, Teresa’s vision began to fade once more. Now living in Oregon, she received two additional cornea transplants with tissue recovered by VisionGift. Those gifts allowed Teresa to see something especially precious again: her daughter’s dimpled face.

Teresa eventually had the opportunity to meet Simon, the father of one of her donors, Robert Esparza. For Teresa, finally being able to say “thank you” was another gift , and she hoped sharing what Robert’s donation had made possible would bring his family comfort, too.

Today, as a four-time cornea recipient, Teresa has a simple message: “Share your blessings.”

Four donors helped Teresa see the people and moments she loves most. Their generosity continues to be part of every beautiful thing she sees.