In the summer of 1996, a young mother jogged through Manhattan with fire in her heart and a torch in her hand. Donor Mother Andrea Nordquist proudly represented The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration as a torchbearer for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Andrea’s journey as an advocate for eye donation began more than ten years earlier with the tragic loss of her son, Christopher, who passed away when he was just two years old. At a difficult time, Andrea and her husband chose to donate his corneas to The Eye-Bank, an act which comforted them and gave the gift of sight to others in need.
Our son Christopher restored sight to two young children so they could see the beauty in the world that he would have been able to see.
In the years that followed her son’s donation, Andrea became an active Eye-Bank volunteer. She joined The Eye-Bank’s Speakers Bureau and began sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation and cornea transplantation. She spoke with community groups and healthcare professionals, and she advocated on behalf of The Eye-Bank with lawmakers at both state and national levels. All of this, she did with Christopher’s memory close to her heart.
In 2006, Andrea helped establish The Eye-Bank’s Young Ambassador Scholarship Program in Christopher’s memory. (link goes here) This annual scholarship is awarded to a student who creates a public awareness project promoting eye donation. Now in its nineteenth year, the $3000 Young Ambassador Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for young people to share The Eye-Bank’s mission and engage in health advocacy.
Today, Andrea is a member of The Eye-Bank’s Board of Directors where she continues to make significant contributions to the organization. She still cherishes the Olympic torch she carried for Christopher.
Young Ambassador Scholarship Applications Are Open!
Deadline: May 15, 2025.