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Press Releases
Eye Donor Month:Are You Registered to Give the Gift of Sight?
February 21, 2008 [Ann Arbor] - During Eye Donor Month in March, the Michigan Eye-Bank is working to promote donation of eyes, organs and tissues, by asking everyone to join the Michigan Donor Registry. “When I die, my family could be left with a difficult decision about whether I would want to donate my eyes, organs or tissues,” said Kevin Ross, President and CEO of Midwest Eye-Banks. “Through the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, I can express my commitment to donation, for my family, and for others considering how the gift of life fits in with their values. I believe eye, organ and tissue donation is something we should all be ready to do for each other.” Here are some common reasons cited for not joining the Michigan Donor Registry: I'm too old. I may not get life-saving treatment if I'm registered. Wealthy people get first access. My body will not be suitable for burial. My religion does not allow it.
"These myths and fears are unfounded, but they prevent people from making a commitment to the donor registry," explained Ross. "The fact is your decision to become a potential organ and tissue donor could save the lives of up to eight people and enhance the lives of 50 more. Anyone with a driver’s license or state ID can join the donor registry, giving consent for recovery of needed organs or tissues after death. To join the registry (or to find more information), visit http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org/ or any branch office of the Michigan Secretary of State.
"From the Eye-Bank perspective, your Gift of Sight will enable people of all ages to work and enjoy life as only vision allows." During 2007, 1,067 corneas were distributed to patients in Michigan through the Michigan Eye-Bank and the work of its affiliated surgeons. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Michigan Eye-Bank online at http://www.michiganeyebank.org/ or call (800) 247-7250. Download PDF Version
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MICHIGAN EYE-BANK CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Septeber 17, 2007 [Ann Arbor] - The Michigan Eye-Bank will commemorate its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Ann Arbor. The program will take place from 11:30am to 2pm. Cost is $35 per person. For reservations and information, call (800) 247-7250 or E-mail rsvp50@michiganeyebank.org. Fifty honorees representing various aspects of the Eye-Bank’s clinical and institutional development will be honored, including Tom Walker, the first person to receive a transplanted cornea provided by the Michigan Eye-Bank. Other dignitaries will include Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State, Dave Eddy of Battle Creek radio, and John Henderson, M.D., the founding surgeon of the Michigan Eye-Bank and retired Chairman of Ophthalmology at the University of Michigan Medical School. The Michigan Eye-Bank was founded in September, 1957 through efforts of the Ann Arbor (Host) Lions Club. Today, it is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. “This is a special moment in our history,” explained Florence Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Eye-Banks, the parent organization of the Michigan Eye-Bank, the Illinois Eye-Bank and the Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey. “We are grateful for the decades of community leadership, financial support and operational expertise we have received. Our Anniversary honorees are just a fraction of the hundreds of people, many of whom are Lions Club members, who have been instrumental in our development.” During the Anniversary program, special guest speakers will share highlights of the Eye-Bank’s history, from its early days at the University of Michigan to its new laboratory facility and corporate headquarters. “The Michigan Eye-Bank has been at the forefront of the evolution of eye banking,” Johnston continued. “Technological advances during the past 50 years have enabled our surgeons to perform transplant surgery with minimal waiting time and extremely high success rates.” For more information about the Michigan Eye-Bank and its 50th Anniversary celebration, visit the Eye-Bank online at http://www.michiganeyebank.org/ or call (800) 247-7250. Download PDF Version
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Eye Injury Prevention Month: The Most Ordinary Things Can Cause the Most Extraordinary Eye Injuries
September 1, 2007 [Midland] - When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is protecting their eyes, but it should be the first thing on their mind. October is Eye Injury Prevention Month. Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan are urging Americans to protect their eyes from the extraordinary damage often caused by the most ordinary of activities. More than one million people suffer from eye injuries each year, but 90 percent of these eye injuries could have been prevented if the individual was wearing appropriate protective eyewear (with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame). Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use. Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders. Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan also want to warn people about one of the most dangerous activities, in terms of eye injuries. Each year hundreds of people end up with terrible eye injuries and burns from fireworks that are set off in the backyard. The majority of victims are bystanders and children. There's just no way to use fireworks at home safely. Even sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold. A good way to honor our nation is by going to see a professional fireworks display. Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear. In order to promote eye health and the prevention of eye injury and disease, Michigan Eye-Bank offers a free eye disease and injury prevention kit geared towards early elementary school students and their families. To include this in your students’ or child’s curriculum, please call Michigan Eye-Bank for more information at (800) 247-7250, or visit our Web site, www.michiganeyebank.org. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Children's Eye Health and Safety Month: Protect Your Child's Eyesight
August 1, 2007 [Midland] – Vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-aged children. September is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan want Americans to know that children often have serious vision problems without their parents’ knowledge. As a result, infants should be screened for common eye problems during their regular pediatric appointments, and vision testing should be conducted for all children starting at around three years of age. If there is a family history of eye problems or if a problem is apparent, parents should consult an eye doctor promptly about when and how often a child’s eyes should be examined. Among the conditions an eye care professional will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness) and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism). Aside from conditions that threaten vision, eye screenings for children are important because vision changes can occur without parents or children noticing them. If a child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or the words in a book, her or his academic performance and participation in recreational activities will suffer. Because vision problems can interfere with school performance, it's important to distinguish them from learning disorders. Children’s eyes must also be protected from the danger of eye injuries. Parents should be sure that their kids’ toys are appropriate for the child’s age and maturity level. Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts. Sports can also endanger a child’s eyes, meaning appropriate protective eyewear is also important. Eye health care is provided by the three “O’s” – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, who can treat it all – eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery. In order to promote eye health and the prevention of eye injury and disease, Michigan Eye-Bank offers a free eye disease and injury prevention kit geared towards early elementary school students and their families. To include this in your students’ or child’s curriculum, please contact Michigan Eye-Bank at (800) 247-7250, or visit our Web site, http://www.michiganeyebank.org/. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Fireworks Safety Month: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
May 21, 2007 [ANN ARBOR] - Fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries treated in U.S. hospitals during 2005, including 1,600 eye injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2006 report. In an effort to reduce these preventable injuries, Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan encourage families to attend local public fireworks displays instead of using fireworks at home this Fourth of July. This recommendation is made as part of Fireworks Eye Safety Month sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Attending a professional public fireworks display is a safe way to honor our nation. People often do not recognize how dangerous fireworks can be when in an inexperienced hand. As many as 400 Americans lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks injuries. The risk of losing an eye is not worth the excitement of setting off fireworks. The CPSC notes that children under age 15 suffered 45 percent of the fireworks-related injuries reported in 2005, with the most common injuries being to the eyes, hands, head and face. Although illegal fireworks, bottle rockets and Roman candles account for the majority of injuries, seemingly harmless sparklers also cause numerous injuries each year. Sparklers account for the most injuries to children under the age of five. Fascinated by the bright sparks, children find these sticks of fire - burning as hot as 1,800 degrees, hot enough to melt gold - irresistible to touch. In order to promote eye health and the prevention of eye injury and disease, Michigan Eye-Bank offers a free eye disease and injury prevention kit geared towards early elementary school students and their families. To include this in your students’ or child’s curriculum, contact Michigan Eye-Bank at (800) 247-7250 or visit our Web site, http://www.michiganeyebank.org/. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Mid-Michigan Celebrates A Night for Sight with Michigan Eye-Bank
May 15, 2007 BAY CITY – Cornea transplant recipients, eye, organ and tissue donor families, surgeons, volunteers and community leaders will join the Michigan Eye-Bank for a special program and reception at the Delta College Planetarium on Thursday, May 17. “Night for Sight is an opportunity for us to celebrate the gift of sight with people in the communities we serve,” explains Florence Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Eye-Banks. “It also gives them a chance to meet us and learn what an eye bank does. They may know that corneal transplantation can restore lost sight, but they probably don’t know there is an eye bank working behind the scenes to make that restoration of sight a reality for someone. We feel that holding our event at the planetarium is a special way to honor those who give and receive the gift of sight – without which we couldn’t fully enjoy the wonders of our universe.” Bay City Mayor Michael J. Buda will be on hand to deliver an official proclamation on behalf of the city. Guests will also be treated to a special presentation by local corneal surgeon Miriam Schteingart, M.D., who has worked closely with the Eye-Bank for many years. “Mid-Michigan is home to many of the Eye-Bank’s most loyal supporters,” Johnston explains. The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, for example, has been a major benefactor of the Michigan Eye-Bank’s Eye and Vision Research Program since the 1980s. Future Night for Sight events are being planned in other areas of the state. Call (800) 247-7250 or visit http://www.michiganeyebank.org/ for updates. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Michigan Eye-Bank online at http://www.michiganeyebank.org/ or call (800) 247-7250. Download PDF Version
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Healthy Vision Month: Protect Your Sight
April 16, 2007 [Ann Arbor] - Eye conditions and diseases that can rob your family of their vision could strike people at any age, from newborns to seniors, and at any time. In honor of May’s Healthy Vision Month, Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan urge Americans to take care of their eyes and their family’s eyes. Pay attention to warning signs and visit an ophthalmologist regularly.Many people associate eye problems with getting older. While it's true that seniors are at higher risk for a certain eye conditions, some of those problems actually start earlier, and vision loss could be prevented if the problem is caught sooner. Preschoolers, senior citizens and people with diabetes, as well as others with high risk factors for certain eye problems, all need regular eye care. Too often, they don't seek or receive this care, and the result is vision loss. Infants and toddlers should be screened for common childhood eye problems, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye), during their regular pediatric appointments. Vision testing is recommended for all children starting at around three years of age. Some warning signs that your child may have vision problems include wandering or crossed eyes, a family history of childhood vision problems, redness, discharge, a disinterest in reading, difficulty viewing distant objects, and squinting or turning the head in an unusual manner while watching TV. Most children and teenagers have healthy eyes, but they still need to take care of their vision. The major risk to kids and teens is accidental injury. Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan recommend protective eyewear for all activities that present a risk of eye injury. An eye doctor can recommend and fit appropriate protective eyewear. Groups at increased risk for eye disease include African-Americans over age 40 (glaucoma), people with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), those over age 60 (macular degeneration and cataracts) and those with a family history of eye problems. If you fall into one of these categories, check with your eye doctor to find out how often you need to have a complete eye exam. In order to promote eye health and the prevention of eye injury and disease, Michigan Eye-Bank offers a free eye disease and injury prevention kit geared towards early elementary school students and their families. To include this in your students’ or child’s curriculum, contact Michigan Eye-Bank at (800) 247-7250 or visit our Web site, http://www.michiganeyebank.org/. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Sports Eye Safety Month: Play Hard, Play Safe!
April 1, 2006 [Ann Arbor] – From major league stadiums to small-town courts, America’s favorite pastimes make great memories for many. But for more than 40,000 athletes, those memories are ruined by eye injuries, the vast majority of which were preventable.
In recognition of April's Sports Eye Safety Month, Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan urge all athletes to wear appropriate protective eyewear. Efforts to protect athletes’ eyes can prevent eye injuries and infections that may lead to cornea transplants.
High school senior Gina Gonzales knows the importance of wearing protective eyewear, but only after a basketball injury caused her to lose vision in her right eye. It only took the poke of a finger during a game to give Gonzales an infected corneal ulcer, leading to irreparable damage. “I couldn’t see out of my right eye at all,” she recalls. “My left eye was straining a lot. I was getting bad headaches from the strain.” Without a cornea transplant to restore her sight, Gina’s basketball career, academic performance and possible college scholarship would have been threatened.
Gonzales’ nightmare is all too common among athletes. Sports-related eye injuries range from abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids, to internal eye injuries, such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. Unfortunately, some of these athletes end up with permanent vision loss and blindness.
Today, athletes can choose from various types of sturdy, lightweight, effective and fashionable eyewear. With polycarbonate lenses and proper fitting by an eye care professional, eyewear does not hinder performance and can prevent 90 percent of sports eye injuries. Some professionals, including NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, have already gotten the message - sports eye protection doesn't hinder performance; it protects eyes and careers.
Basketball, football, hockey and baseball aren't the only sports that contribute to the thousands of eye injuries suffered each year. Soccer, tennis, golf and water sports also are dangerous to the eyes. Different kinds of protective eyewear are available for different sports, and Michigan Eye-Bank recommends that athletes seek the assistance of an eye care professional to ensure the correct eyewear is used.
The long-term benefits of playing sports are clear, but sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children. Most sporting leagues don't require their young athletes to wear eye protection, yet when they do, the occurrence of eye injuries is greatly reduced. For now, it is up to parents and other adults to make sure children use appropriate eye protection.
In order to promote eye health and the prevention of eye injury and disease, Michigan Eye-Bank offers a free eye disease and injury prevention kit geared towards early elementary school students and their families. To include this program in your students’ or child’s’ curriculum, please call Michigan Eye-Bank at (800) 247-7250, or visit our Web site, www.michiganeyebank.org. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Safe Toys and Celebrations Month: How to Prevent Holiday Tragedies
November 15, 2006 ANN ARBOR- In the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story", Ralphie sets out to convince the world that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect gift. "You'll shoot your eye out!" was the response he got from his parents, teacher and even Santa Claus. It's one of the more memorable quotes from this Christmas classic because we've all heard it repeatedly during our childhood. And unfortunately, it comes true for too many people. It's hard to resist giving into your child's overwhelming desire for his or her most wished for gift, especially during the holiday season, but sometimes you have to stand firm for their safety. Toys - including some seemingly innocent ones - and sporting equipment are responsible for thousands of eye injuries to children every year. That's why Michigan Eye-Bank and Lions of Michigan are promoting Safe Toys and Celebrations Month and urging Americans to purchase safe toys and gifts this holiday season and all year long. Every year, ophthalmologists see the devastating injuries that seemingly safe toys can cause. By getting the word out, the Eye-Bank and the Lions hope to save you and your child from needless suffering. When shopping for toys, check labels to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level. Watch out for games or toys with sharp or protruding parts or projectiles, and consider carefully before giving darts, pellet guns or other firearms. These items are not appropriate for most children. If you're giving sporting equipment, consider including appropriate protective eyewear. Approximately 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year, but 90 percent of these injuries could be avoided with the right protective eyewear. Lastly, before you open a bottle of your favorite bubbly to toast the holidays, learn how to do it safely. Make sure corks are covered by a towel and are pointed away from you and others. Also, ensure the champagne is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. Every year, warm bottles of champagne, coupled with bad cork-removal technique, are responsible for causing serious blinding injuries. By following a few simple safety tips, you can make sure your holidays are festive and injury-free. The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. Download PDF Version
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Cornea transplant recipient to appear on Battle Creek TV
1/31/2006 Corneal transplant recipient Marjorie Gunn will join host Dave Eddy on Battle Creek Access Vision, Monday, March 28th at 12:00pm. The live, hour-long broadcast will focus on the Michigan Eye-Bank’s efforts to provide the miracle of restored eyesight through corneal transplantation, education and eye and vision research.
Mrs. Gunn has been an active Michigan Eye-Bank volunteer for more than 15 years. Known as the “cake lady” for her skill in cake decorating and baking, Mrs. Gunn will share her transplant experience with program host Dave Eddy and with Jim Hitchcock of the Battle Creek Shopper, explaining how the Gift of Sight has touched her life. She resides in Delton, Michigan.
Access Vision host Dave Eddy has been on the air for nearly 50 years, and has been a familiar voice on WBCK-AM since 1960. Known as WBCK’s “Morning Mayor”, Eddy also earned an Eye-Bank Special Service Award for his support of donor awareness education.
The Michigan Eye-Bank is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Michigan Eye-Bank online at www.michiganeyebank.org or call (800) 247-7250.
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Retired Newaygo County Deputy dedicates his retirement to the Michigan Eye-Bank
1/30/2006
Lynn Mast, a retired Newaygo County Deputy and longtime Lions Club member, recalls his efforts to console the families of deceased people in his county.
“Being in law enforcement, it was our responsibility to deliver death messages to families,” he says. “That was one of the worst things to do. It’s very hard.” However, once he realized that by asking people to allow a donation “would do some good,” he felt better about his encounters.
“We would discuss the benefits of donation and about how the people who receive the organ, eye or tissue feel and how donor families felt afterwards – how their loved one is still alive someplace helping someone else out.”
Mast has supported the Michigan Eye-Bank for 15 years. His involvement began when he attended a Lions program in which a representative of the Eye-Bank told his personal story of having received a cornea transplant.
“One of the original doctors affiliated with the Eye-Bank also told the story of how the man regained his sight, and the man sat there and cried,” Mast recalls. “It inspired me and made me believe that it was a worthy effort. It’s part of our goal in Lionism.”
Mast is Vice Governor of Lions District 11 E-1, which includes much of the Northwest part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. He belongs to the Fremont Lions Club and regularly speaks to service clubs, senior centers and civic organizations about the value of eye, organ and tissue donation.
“It’s about helping people regain their ability to see – which has been the Lions mission since Helen Keller presented a challenge to help eliminate preventable blindness in 1925,” he explains. “The Lions mission has always been to help the visually impaired, which is the same goal of the Eye-Bank. They walk hand-in-hand.
“The Lions and the Eye-Bank have the same type of mission.”
Mast worked with local state representatives for several years to get “first person consent” legislation passed in Michigan. Today, a person signing the Michigan Donor Registry has his or her intentions recorded for reference by organ procurement agencies.
“It’s really rewarding to know that you’re out there trying to do some good in helping somebody to see again,” says Mast. “It’s a great feeling.”
Mast lives with his wife, Jan, in White Cloud, where they have a farm and raise hay and horses. He is available for public speaking engagements by calling 231-689-6971.
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Midwest Eye-Banks Dedicates New Corporate Headquarters, Site of Michigan Eye-Bank
11/11/2005
ANN ARBOR – With unseasonable warmth and sunny skies as a backdrop, Midwest Eye-Banks celebrated the opening of its new offices on Thursday, November 3. The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from William D. Barr, Ed.D., Chairman of the Eye-Bank’s Board of Directors and Lions Past District Governor, followed by guest speakers, a tour of the building and light refreshments for guests. More than 100 people were in attendance.
“We dedicate this building, and we re-dedicate ourselves, to the restoration of sight,” proclaimed Susan d’Olive Mozena, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Eye-Banks, as guests were allowed a first glimpse of the new offices and laboratory. John W. Henderson, M.D., Ph.D., founding surgeon of the Michigan Eye-Bank and a member of the Ann Arbor (Host) Lions Club for five decades, was on hand to perform the ribbon-cutting.
Also on hand was Keller Johnson Thompson, Vice President of the Helen Keller Foundation and Ambassador for the American Foundation for the Blind. In her remarks, Keller, who is the great grand niece of Helen Keller, explained how Helen Keller first charged Lions Club members to become “Knights of the Blind” 80 years ago this year. She praised the Ann Arbor (Host) Lions and Midwest Eye-Banks for working together to change lives, as Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, had done years earlier.
Following Keller’s remarks, the Ann Arbor (Host) Lions Club presented a check for $25,000 to Midwest Eye-Banks, part of a five-year, $50,000 pledge in support of the new building. Midwest Eye-Banks’ Board of Directors named the Michigan Eye-Bank laboratory in honor of Dr. John Henderson, founding surgeon of the Michigan Eye-Bank, at the request of the Ann Arbor (Host) Lions.
The building is a 10,000 square-foot facility, built in 1995 and located at 4889 Venture Drive in Pittsfield Township, on the south side of Ann Arbor. Some renovation was required to accommodate the Michigan Eye-Bank laboratory and Eye-Bank staff offices. The Eye-Bank selected architect Robert Black and F & F Contractors to manage the renovation project.
Midwest Eye-Banks was formerly headquartered in the University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center, with additional office space in the Plymouth-Green Innovation Community. Although the Eye-Bank will continue its strong working relationship with the University and with Kellogg, CEO Susan Mozena explains that organizational expansion and the need for more laboratory space necessitated the move.
Midwest Eye-Banks is a 501(c)(3), independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. Through its laboratories in Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey, it recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Midwest Eye-Banks online at www.midwesteyebanks.org or call (800) 247-7250.
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Minister Celebrates Cornea Transplant During National Donor Sabbath
10/25/2005
When Rev. Roy Lausman speaks of the spiritual quality of eye, organ, and tissue donation, he speaks from experience. The retired minister in the United Church of Christ had a cornea transplant six years ago, a second transplant is on the horizon.
“There is a spiritual realm here,” he says. “It helps people who are suffering and helps them have their lives fulfilled.”
A resident of Henry Ford Village in Dearborn, Rev. Lausman has always had poor vision in his left eye. However, it was deteriorating rapidly, complicated by a cataract. An ophthalmologist told him his condition required a cornea transplant. “He told me that there were 2,000 cells in the cornea and I was losing them. And, I needed a cataract removed.” The operation, he said, would remove the remaining cells in his cornea, effectively leaving him blind – “like looking through broken glass.”
Rev. Lausman received his cornea transplant at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. His sight was immediately better than he had ever experienced.
“The left eye was better than the right,” he says. As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Rev. Lausman thinks of the “gifts” donation makes possible – both the gift of sight through eye donation, and the gift of life through vital organs. He strongly supports the principles of National Donor Sabbath, an effort by proponents of eye, organ and tissue donation – including the Michigan Eye-Bank – to enlist the help of clergy of all faiths in promoting the spiritual qualities of giving.
He recalls volunteering at the Michigan Secretary of State’s Buddy Day event this spring, on behalf of the Michigan Eye-Bank. The event is designed to promote signing the Michigan Donor Registry, but Rev. Lausman had several eye and organ recipients come up to him to express their deep appreciation for the gift they had received. In many cases, as Rev. Lausman reports, “They can now get up and get around again. I know people who were on dialysis, wishing for a transplant and didn’t make it. But those who have had transplants have nothing but praise.”
As a cornea recipient, Rev. Lausman can attest to the miracle of restored sight, and its effects on one’s quality of life. “You’re no longer bound by the affliction you had,” he explains. “If I didn’t have the cornea transplant in my left eye, I would be in serious trouble, because that eye was almost gone.”
The idea of giving and the compassion for people in need is shared by all faiths, Rev. Lausman says. “It helps prevent some of the suffering which is going on.” He also points out that the other spiritual side of eye, organ and tissue donation is the effect it has on the spirit of the recipient. “New life that comes… if we’re able to have a better life, spiritually, that lifts us up. It makes us better citizens, better Christians, better Jews or whatever we are. That is an important facet in the life cycle. If we can make it better, that definitely is a spiritual realm that we need to promote.”
Organ donation, effectively, is “respect for life. If we can prolong it, fine. Organ donation is one of the big means we have…”
Faith communities throughout Michigan are promoting eye, organ and tissue donation on National Donor Sabbath Weekend, Nov. 11-13. For more information, contact Lisa Langley, Michigan Eye-Bank’s Community Outreach Coordinator, at (800) 247-7250.
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Marjorie Gunn Named Michigan Eye-Bank Ambassador of the Year
6/10/2005
ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Eye-Bank has announced that corneal transplant recipient Marjorie Gunn of Delton will be named its first Ambassador of the Year. The award will be presented on June 11th at the Eye-Bank’s Annual Meeting in Lansing by Susan Mozena, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Midwest Eye-Banks, and Lisa Langley, Midwest’s Community Outreach Coordinator.
The Eye-Bank’s Ambassador Program is comprised of individuals across the state, primarily corneal transplant recipients and eye donor family members, who express their support of the Eye-Bank’s mission through their volunteer efforts.
Lisa Langley has worked with Mrs. Gunn through the Ambassador Program for nearly 16 years. “Marjorie is one of our most active Ambassadors,” she says. “She does many things in the Delton and Battle Creek area to raise awareness about eye donation.”
Mrs. Gunn has had four corneal transplants since 1974. She has been under the care of Michigan Eye-Bank Medical Director H. Kaz Soong, M.D., at the Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor. She was one of the first transplant recipients to join the Michigan Eye-Bank’s Ambassador Program. Each year, during Eye Donor Month in March, she appears on Access Vision Cable with host Dave Eddy to tell her story and raise eye donation awareness.
Mrs. Gunn’s efforts have had a direct benefit within the community. Six years ago, her appearance on Battle Creek television inspired a local Marine to seek treatment for his vision impairment. This resulted in a corneal transplant and greatly improved vision for the young man.
“It’s my way of repaying donor families and showing my appreciation,” Mrs. Gunn explains. As part of her Ambassador volunteer duties, she circulates newspaper articles, distributes educational materials and delivers presentations to civic groups within the community – all to promote awareness of eye donation and the importance of the Eye-Bank’s mission.
The Michigan Eye-Bank is a division of Midwest Eye-Banks, a 501(c)(3), independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Midwest Eye-Banks online at www.midwesteyebanks.org or call (800) 247-7250.
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Transplant Recipient to Appear with Eye-Bank CEO on Battle Creek Television
5/24/2005
Susan d’Olive Mozena, newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Eye-Banks, will join corneal transplant recipient Marjorie Gunn and host Dave Eddy on Battle Creek Access Vision, Monday, March 28th at 12:00pm. The live, hour-long broadcast will focus on the Michigan Eye-Bank’s efforts to provide the miracle of restored eyesight through transplantation, research and education. The program will also feature Dale Wiersma, Manager of Public & Professional Education for the Michigan Eye-Bank, and Lisa Langley, Midwest Eye-Banks’ Community Outreach Coordinator.
Mrs. Gunn has been an active Michigan Eye-Bank volunteer for more than 15 years. Known as the “cake lady” for her skill in cake decorating and baking, Mrs. Gunn will share her transplant experience with host Dave Eddy and the guests from the Eye-Bank, explaining how the Gift of Sight has touched her life. She resides in Delton, Michigan.
Program host Dave Eddy has been on the air for nearly 50 years, and has been a familiar voice on WBCK-AM since 1960. Known as WBCK’s “Morning Mayor”, Eddy also earned an Eye-Bank Special Service Award for his support of donor awareness education.
The Midwest Eye-Banks is a 501(c)(3), independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight. Through its divisions in Illinois and Michigan, the organization recovers, evaluates and distributes human eye tissue for transplantation. It also supports research into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions, promotes donation awareness through public and professional education, and provides humanitarian aid to people in need of corneal transplantation throughout the world. For more information, visit the Midwest Eye-Banks online at www.midwesteyebanks.org or call (800) 247-7250.
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