The Illuminator

Recipient: Teresa

Donor: Robert

Tissue: Cornea

Artist: Brandon Lehor

Teresa started praying for her future donor before she even knew one existed.

Growing up, she struggled with the loss of her vision. She also knew what a cornea donation would mean to the donor’s family.

Teresa started praying for her future donor before she even knew one existed.

Growing up, she struggled with the loss of her vision. She also knew what a cornea donation would mean to the donor’s family.

“It’s a mix of emotions, even though you know this is the only hope you have to be able to see again, you are aware that someone will die and a family will suffer.”

“It’s a mix of emotions, even though you know this is the only hope you have to be able to see again, you are aware that someone will die and a family will suffer.”

Her donor was a young man named Robert.

Robert spent his time after school helping his sister with her homework, taking care of his reptilian pets, and battling his friends in video game tournaments.

Her donor was a young man named Robert.

Robert spent his time after school helping his sister with her homework, taking care of his reptilian pets, and battling his friends in video game tournaments.

Robert was the light of his father’s life.

They celebrated holidays and birthdays together with dinner and a movie, a tradition Robert’s father, Simon, misses immensely. After Robert got his driver’s license he told his dad he decided to register as a donor. This selfless act came as no surprise to Simon.

Robert was the light of his father’s life.

They celebrated holidays and birthdays together with dinner and a movie, a tradition Robert’s father, Simon, misses immensely. After Robert got his driver’s license he told his dad he decided to register as a donor. This selfless act came as no surprise to Simon.

He told his dad, “I know there will be someone that will need a part of me I can no longer use.” His opportunity to give the gift of life came too soon. Robert died in a sudden accident a few weeks before his 22nd birthday.

He told his dad, “I know there will be someone that will need a part of me I can no longer use.” His opportunity to give the gift of life came too soon. Robert died in a sudden accident a few weeks before his 22nd birthday.

Robert was able to restore the health of four people, including Teresa. Robert’s cornea donation led to the transplant that helped her see how beautiful life could be.

Robert was able to restore the health of four people, including Teresa. Robert’s cornea donation led to the transplant that helped her see how beautiful life could be.

Because of Robert’s invaluable gift, Teresa enjoys any time spent walking along the ocean, opening a new book, or hiking through Oregon’s forests.

Because of Robert’s invaluable gift, Teresa enjoys any time spent walking along the ocean, opening a new book, or hiking through Oregon’s forests.

Today, Teresa works as an advocate for bone marrow donation and educates others on the importance of registering to donate. She thinks of Robert often, and continues to dedicate each day to his selfless gift of sight.

Today, Teresa works as an advocate for bone marrow donation and educates others on the importance of registering to donate. She thinks of Robert often, and continues to dedicate each day to his selfless gift of sight.

Will donation be part of your story?

Register Today More Stories