Mega Doctor News
Held in commemoration of National Eye Donation Month, “Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight” honors the life, legacy and families of donors who gave the gift of sight
Giving someone the gift of a second chance at life is one of the most selfless acts a person can commit. There are currently more than 100,000 men, women and children currently on the national transplant waiting list, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Among those in need are individuals waiting on a corneal transplant procedure, an operation to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.
For those suffering from damaged or diseased corneas, the sense of sight is impaired. But, through a corneal transplant, a patient’s sight can be restored, their pain is reduced and the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea can be improved.
In 2023, U.S. eye banks reported more than 100,000 total tissue recoveries. Among those banks is the San Antonio Eye Bank, whose mission is to restore sight, support communities and change lives.
To commemorate the Rio Grande Valley donors that have selflessly given the gift of sight, the Rio Grande Valley Division of the San Antonio Eye Bank, in partnership with South Texas Health System Edinburg, is launching a first-of-its kind exhibition, “Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight” in commemoration of National Eye Donation Month.
The exhibit features six portraits of heroes, who in their deaths, gave the gift of sight to others by donating their corneas. Each portrait highlights a story from the donor’s family that reflects on the beauty of giving and the impact their loved one’s donation had on the community.
“Each portrait connects to a special aspect of the donor’s life and shares a visual testimony of love, legacy and remembrance,” says Gabriela Hernandez, Hospital and Community Relations Specialist, RGV Division, San Antonio Eye Bank of the exhibit, which serves as a way to highlight the experiences and perspectives of donor families.
Housed in the main lobby of South Texas Health System Edinburg, the special installation will be launched on Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m., during a special event for hospital leaders and staff, as well as community members.
“We’re proud to partner with the San Antonio Eye Bank to celebrate these community heroes, their legacies and their families,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System Edinburg & STHSChildren’s. “South Texas Health System is committed to being a meaningful partner in educating the community on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation to help improve the quality of life for thousands not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but across the country.
The exhibit will be on display until Saturday, November 30. The community is welcome to stop by to view and learn about the visual testimonies of the donor heroes featured.
To learn more about eye donation, please visit the San Antonio Eye Bank website at www.saeyebank.org. To register to become an organ, eye and/or tissue donor, visit www.donatelifetexas.org.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Edinburg & The RGV Division of the San Antonio Eye Bank |
| What: | Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight |
| When: | Thursday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Main LobbySouth Texas Health System Edinburg1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539 |
