Grateful Mother of Three Thanks Donor Families
On Saturday, April 6, The Eye-Bank participated in the 27th Annual Remember & Rejoice Ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Cornea transplant recipient Kristy Meaney was a featured speaker at the event. She shared her experience of receiving the beautiful gift of sight with donor tissue provided by The Eye-Bank.
Due to a blinding eye disease, Kristy’s vision gradually deteriorated throughout her college years and early adulthood until, after the birth of her first child, her condition was impossible to ignore. Everyday tasks like driving had become difficult and even dangerous. After her first cornea transplant, Kristy was able to see little details she had been missing for years, like “the glint in her baby’s eyes” or “even the nooks and crannies in a piece of bread.” Kristy said, “To my donors and their families, your decision to choose donation during the most trying time of your life has enabled me to enjoy such a vibrant quality of life. My donors will forever be remembered in my heart.”
Kristy’s husband and three children attended the event, as well as many members of her extended family who expressed their gratitude to all donor families, and especially the two eye donors who improved Kristy’s quality of life.
Remember & Rejoice is an event hosted by the Manhattan chapter of the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO). It honors eye, organ and tissue donors and celebrates those who have received life-saving and sight-restoring transplants. The non-denominational celebration featured donor family members and transplant recipients who shared their personal stories. There were readings, prayers, and a candle lighting ceremony during which the names of over 200 donors were read while donor family members received roses in recognition of their loved one’s generosity. You can watch the full live-streamed event on the St. Patrick Cathedral’s YouTube page.
If you are interested in attending next year, admission is free and all are welcome. The next Remember & Rejoice event will be on March 29, 2025. You can get updates closer to the date by emailing info@ebsr.org.