Jun 21, 2026 | Donor Stories
On Father’s Day, we celebrate the fathers who shape our lives through their love, guidance, and presence. For Marko’s family, those qualities defined every aspect of who he was.
Marko and wife
“Marko was the calm to my chaos,” his wife shared. “The yin to my yang. He offered perspectives I hadn’t considered and reminded me not to take life too seriously.”
He started the car on cold mornings. He made coffee before anyone asked. He checked in with loved ones just because. He helped friends when they needed support and never hesitated to lend a hand to a stranger. Whether helping someone with luggage, offering a kind word, or making sure those around him felt comfortable, Marko found countless ways to care for others.
His wife remembers his frequent reminders to “keep an eye on the sky” whenever bad weather approached. Looking back, the phrase feels fitting for someone who was always looking out for the people he loved.
That caring nature became even more evident when Marko became a father.
When he and his wife learned they were expecting twins, Marko was present for every appointment, every milestone, and every moment of uncertainty. When their children arrived prematurely and required care in the NICU, he never wavered.
Despite long days spent traveling between home, work, the hospital, and back again, he remained a constant source of strength for his growing family.
“He smiled and supported us all,” his wife recalled.
Fatherhood deepened Marko’s understanding of what mattered most in life. After spending more than 19 years with his employer, he made the courageous decision to leave his job so he could devote more time to the people he loved most.
Marko and daughter
His children became the center of his world.
Each day, “Meteorologist Marko” would provide the family’s weather report before everyone started their day. He filled their home with music, laughter, movie quotes, jokes, and puns. He shared his love of cooking through carefully prepared meals and expressed himself through music, teaching himself to play the harmonica and creating playlists for those he cared about.
Whether caring for animals, spending time with family, or simply making someone smile, Marko approached life with intention and kindness.
His love extended beyond his immediate family. He spoke with his mother nearly every morning, checking in and offering support whenever she needed it. He believed in giving people opportunities and often reminded those around him that sometimes all someone needs is a chance.
Though his life ended far too soon, the impact of his generosity continues today.
On New Year’s Eve, Marko’s final act reflected the way he lived his life: putting others first.
Through eye donation, Marko restored sight to two individuals through cornea transplantation. For his family, that gift carries special meaning. His wife’s own father is a cornea transplant recipient, giving them a unique understanding of the life-changing impact donation can have.
Just as Marko spent his life helping others see the good in difficult situations, caring for those around him, and guiding his family through life’s challenges, his gift of donation now helps two people experience the world through restored sight.
His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he supported, the kindness he shared, and the gift of vision he provided to others.
Though his loved ones no longer see him beside them each day, they continue to see his influence everywhere in the music he loved, the values he passed on, the children he adored, and the countless memories that remain.
This Father’s Day, Marko is remembered not only as a devoted husband and father, but as a man whose generosity continues to change lives.
His story is a reminder that a father’s love doesn’t end with his lifetime. Through the lives he touched and the sight he restored, Marko’s legacy continues to shine.
May 12, 2026 | Donor Stories
Xander never met a stranger. According to his mom, Amber, he had a way of making people laugh no matter what kind of day they were having. A natural jokester from the time he was little, Xander filled every room with humor, energy, and stories that often left people shaking their heads and laughing at the same time.
“Everybody’s memories of him are the same,” Amber said. “He always made you laugh.”
At just 19 years old, Xander had already built a life full of passion, creativity, and big dreams. He had recently begun working alongside his grandfather at the family auto shop, learning the trade and preparing to eventually take over the business one day. While schoolwork was never his favorite thing, Amber said Xander was incredibly bright and entrepreneurial, always thinking about his next big idea.
Outside of mechanics, Xander was deeply artistic. “He was always creative,” Amber said. “He loved art.” He loved drawing and had recently begun teaching himself tattooing. After receiving a tattoo machine for Christmas, he practiced tirelessly, even tattooing himself first before creating pieces for family members, cousins, and his girlfriend.
He also loved spending time with the people closest to him. Some of Amber’s favorite memories are the simple ones, laughing together late into the night, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company.
One memory stands out above the rest.
A few months before his passing Xander traveled from Missouri to Georgia to visit Amber. During the trip, the two stayed up all night creating a scavenger hunt for his girlfriend. Xander planned to surprise her with a promise ring that had been passed down through the family, and together they worked on clues and rhymes for the special moment.
“We laughed until we cried,” Amber remembered. “We were deliriously tired, but we had so much fun.”
Before he boarded his early morning flight home, Amber tucked a note into his backpack telling him how much she loved the visit and how much fun they had shared together. Later, seeing a video of the moment and the joy on his face during the scavenger hunt became a memory she now holds close to her heart.
Just months later, Amber’s world changed forever when Xander was involved in a fatal crash only a short distance from work.
In the midst of unimaginable grief, Amber knew one thing clearly: Xander would want to help others. Just a few years earlier when he received his driver’s license, Xander made the decision to register as an eye, organ, and tissue donor.
“He would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was the only one he had,” Amber said.
Through donation, Xander was able to save and heal multiple lives through organ, tissue, and cornea donation. His heart, kidneys, liver, corneas, and additional tissues helped others in need, creating a legacy that continues far beyond his 19 years.
For Amber, knowing Xander’s generosity lives on in others has brought comfort during an incredibly painful time.
“It gives another layer of comfort knowing that even though our loved one has passed away, they’re still living on through somebody else,” she said. “Somebody else’s son or daughter, mom or dad, brother or sister is able to continue living.”
Xander’s legacy continues not only through the lives he impacted through donation, but also through the people inspired by his story. Since his passing, several friends and family members have registered as organ, eye, and tissue donors in his honor. Amber and her family are also working to establish a scholarship fund in his memory.
During Donate Life Month, blue and green ribbons wrapped around the trees outside Amber’s home served as a visible reminder of Xander’s lasting impact and the gifts he gave to others.
Though his life was far too short, Amber says Xander lived fully, loved deeply, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone around him. “He did more in 19 years than most people do in a lifetime,” she said.
Apr 8, 2026 | Community Partners, News
Each year, Saving Sight is honored to recognize Lions who go above and beyond in their dedication to service and to our shared mission: We change lives by saving sight.
The 2026 Lion Ambassador of the Year nominees represent the very best of Lionism—individuals whose compassion, leadership, and commitment are making a meaningful difference in communities across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Through vision screenings, outreach, and direct service, these nominees are helping ensure more individuals have access to the gift of sight.
We are proud to recognize this year’s outstanding nominees:
PDG Bob Crump – Seymour Lions Club
Nominated by District Governor Paula Rodgers
PDG Bob Crump has made a profound impact in his community through his dedication to children’s vision screening. Traveling from school to school—often in difficult conditions—he has personally screened hundreds of children, ensuring that no child is overlooked.
His passion for KidSight is evident in both his actions and his advocacy. PDG Bob not only identifies potential vision issues early but also follows up to ensure children receive the care they need. His unwavering commitment reflects a deep care for the well-being and future success of every child he serves.
Lion Janice Bonnot – Jefferson City Host Lions Club
Nominated by District Governor Rev. Bill Foglesong
Lion Janice Bonnot exemplifies what it means to live out the mission of saving sight. Through her leadership, the Jefferson City Host Lions Club has become one of the most active KidSight screening groups in the state.
In a single Lions year, her coordination helped facilitate screenings for nearly 5,000 children across schools, daycares, libraries, and community events—resulting in over 500 referrals for follow-up care. Beyond screenings, she has also led efforts to collect and distribute eyeglasses for mission work, extending her impact far beyond her local community.
Lion Dr. Teri Page – Poplar Bluff Lions Club
Nominated by Council Chair Wendy Williams
For nearly two decades, Lion Dr. Teri Page has combined professional expertise with heartfelt service to improve access to vision care in southeast Missouri. As an optometrist and business owner, she plays a critical role in her club’s Low Vision Program, providing discounted exams and glasses to individuals who otherwise could not afford care.
Her contributions extend well beyond clinical care. From supporting major fundraising efforts like the club’s annual Chili Day to volunteering at large-scale eye mission events, Lion Teri’s generosity and hands-on involvement have helped bring life-changing services to hundreds in her community.
PDG Wayne and Lion Susan Cunningham – Chillicothe Lions Club
Nominated by Vice Council Chair Rachel Harper
PDG Wayne and Lion Susan Cunningham have transformed vision screening outreach through their leadership of “Team Chillicothe.” Since 2020, they have helped conduct more than 22,000 vision screenings across hundreds of events, reaching children across multiple districts.
Their dedication is remarkable—not only in scale, but in spirit. Even in the face of personal health challenges, they have continued their work with resilience and determination. By identifying vision issues early and ensuring follow-up care, they are helping shape brighter futures for thousands of children.
Lion Lauralee Taylor – Cape Evening Lions Club
Nominated by District Governor Louise Bibbs
Lion Lauralee Taylor has played a key role in expanding access to vision care through Eye Mission trips across her district. Her leadership and service have helped bring free eyeglasses to individuals who otherwise would not have access to care, restoring sight and independence.
In addition to her hands-on involvement, she serves on the board of the Missouri Lions State Sight Project, further advancing efforts to meet critical vision needs throughout the region.
PID Don Noland – Harvester Lions Club
Nominated by District Governor Al Wansing
Lion Don Noland is a passionate advocate for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through his involvement in local eye missions and his leadership roles within the Lions, he has been a strong and consistent supporter of organizations serving those with vision needs.
As a past director and district leader, as well as a champion for the Missouri School for the Blind, Lion Don’s enthusiasm and commitment continue to inspire others and strengthen the impact of service across his community.
Each of these nominees reflects the heart of what it means to serve. Their efforts—whether through screening children, providing clinical care, organizing outreach, or championing access—are changing lives every day. We are grateful for their dedication and proud to celebrate their contributions to Saving Sight’s mission.
The 2026 Lion Ambassador of the Year will be announced at the Missouri Lions State Convention banquet on Saturday, April 25.
Apr 1, 2026 | Donor Stories
Jeremy at the beach
Jeremy was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome the moment they met him.
He was friendly, warm, and a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him. With his big
red beard, sky blue eyes, and even bigger smile, he had a way of drawing people in. Whether it
was a conversation, a hug, or simply being there when someone needed him, Jeremy made an
impact that lasted far beyond the moment.
To his wife, he was everything.
The two met at work, and over time built a life filled with love, laughter, and the kind of
everyday moments that mean the most. Sitting on the porch, going for drives, trying new food,
camping, or standing at the front of a concert singing and dancing together, those are the
moments she misses most.
“He was my very best friend,” she said. “I miss just talking to him.”
She describes him as someone who never made her feel unloved.
“He was my biggest fan. I always knew he’d be there to catch me when I fell and cheer me on.
To be loved like that… that will always be the greatest gift of my life.”
That love extended to everyone around him.
Jeremy found joy in music, in bringing people together, and in caring for others. He loved
creating playlists, attending concerts and festivals, and hosting gatherings for friends and
family. No matter the setting, he made people feel at home.
Jeremy valued family, honesty, hard work, and integrity. He showed his care for others in the
way he lived each day, always ready to lend a hand, offer support, or bring people together. He
found joy in entertaining, feeding people, and spending time with friends and family.
Today, his legacy continues in the lives he helped shape.
“He raised our children into good, honest, caring people,” his wife said. “Our friends and family
continue to get together regularly to eat, to entertain, to keep doing what he thought was so
important: being together and living.”
Even in loss, that spirit of giving remains.
Although donation wasn’t something they had discussed in depth, Jeremy had always been
someone who gave to others. As his wife reflected on the decision, it felt like a natural
extension of who he was.
Feb 19, 2026 | Community Partners, News
Every year, we have the privilege of celebrating the remarkable Lions and community partners whose service truly embodies our mission: “We change lives by saving sight.” In 2025, we honored Lion Leon Hove as our Lions Ambassador of the Year, a lifelong Lion whose dedication to vision programs, screening initiatives, and international missions inspired all of us. In honor of his service, a $1,000 donation was made in his name to the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation supporting expanded vision care.
Now it’s your turn to help us recognize the next great Lion leader!
Nominations for the 2026 Lions Ambassador of the Year are opening soon. This recognition highlights a Lion or community member — someone whose volunteerism and impact have measurably furthered our mission across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois over the last year. Nominees should exemplify service above self, live the spirit of the Lions, and inspire others through their work.
A selection committee made up of the Missouri Lions Council Chair, current District Governors, and Saving Sight board members will review nominations. The honoree will be celebrated at the Missouri Lions State Convention and will receive a $1,000 donation in their name to the 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization of their choice.
Who in your club or community has gone above and beyond this year? Keep your nominations ready and let’s continue celebrating Lions who truly make a difference!
