In Memory of Daniel Lord, 2002-2018
“Daniel was naturally bright, curious and helpful. He truly made the world a colorful place. His caring nature transcends time with the gifts he left behind.” – Rebecca Malone
In Memory of John Lefferts, 1981-2004
“John was a very generous man, and in his passing, he enhanced the lives of 37 people across the United States, making his family very proud of his legacy.” – Larry and Vivian Lefferts, donor parents
The photo submitted is of the Lefferts with the floragraph they traveled to southern California to make in 2018, and which was on the 2019 Rose Parade Donate Life Float.
You can read John’s full story on our website at: saving-sight.org/2018/06/12/donor-family-finds-comfort-through-volunteerism-to-honor-the-legacy-of-their-son/
In Memory of Rick McClellan, 1953-2014
“Although gardening and historic homes were not among Rick’s passions, he did enjoy the native Missouri redbuds, dogwoods and Bridal Veil spirea of spring.” – Theresa McClellan, Rick’s wife.
You can read Rick’s full story on our website at: saving-sight.org/2016/06/29/active-family-man-carries-on-his-legacy-in-helping-others/
In Memory of Scot Squires, 1968-2017
“So much to remember about a great dad, son, brother, friend, educator, living kidney donor, & tissue/skin/eye donor. We hold you in the garden of our memories.” – Cheryl, Scot’s sister
”Scot was a kind and generous son, who would consider it a blessing that he gave the gift of sight to two strangers. I believe he would be most honored that the recipients lived in a part of the world where quality healthcare was not available. Through his contributions, Scot continues to make a difference in the lives of others.” – Joyce Squires
You can read Scot’s full story on our website at: saving-sight.org/2020/04/22/cheryl-shares-her-brothers-legacy-as-an-eye-donor/
In Memory of Thomas J. Davidson, 1988-2018
“My oldest son, Thomas, became a donor on July 11, 2018. Thomas loved visiting his family, helping others, working with his hands, and being outdoors.” – Charlotte, Thomas’ Mom.
You can read Thomas’ full story on our website at: saving-sight.org/2020/05/12/thomas-legacy/
“To know Tommy, he preferred Thomas, was to know someone who was helpful, respectful, loyal, and enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his dog. Thomas was happiest working with his hands and going hiking, camping, and riding his motorcycle,” says his mother Charlotte.
Thomas had made the decision to join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry. “I didn’t know until after the accident that he was an organ donor, but I wasn’t surprised,” says Charlotte. “Through his cornea donations, his legacy in helping others continues so that he could keep on giving to others. He didn’t know a stranger; he was that kind. Because Tommy’s corneas were separately donated, he was able to be doubly generous.”
Thomas & his mother Charlotte
Thomas & his brother Colt in Colorado
Thomas 2018
His left cornea helped restore the eyesight of a cornea transplant recipient and his right cornea went to a research facility in order to help discover the cause, and hopefully a cure, for a genetic eye disease called PPCD (Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy).
Charlotte took part in Saving Sight’s correspondence program to say thank you to his recipients and to share about Tommy.
“I reached out to Tommy’s left cornea recipient to build a connection. I wanted to know who had been blessed with the gift of sight because of my oldest son’s generosity. The recipient happily replied. And we began to learn – I learned about the recipient as a person and the recipient was learning about Thomas as a person. It has been very rewarding for me.”
She also chose to reach out to the researcher who received Thomas’ right cornea tissue. “Because one of Tommy’s corneas went to a research facility, I wanted to make sure the scientists were making the most of their precious and life-giving donation. Eye research is important to me because it impacts the future. If PPCD (Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy) can come even one step closer to being cured, then it’s worth the effort. If one person doesn’t have to worry about possibly going blind, then eye, tissue, and organ donation are worth giving.”
As a donor family, Charlotte has found comfort in supporting donation and in Thomas’ legacy living on. “As a donor family, donation is a way to give back, the ultimate in paying it forward. Finding out that my oldest son wanted to give of his self after he was gone, made me even more proud to be Thomas’ mom. Because I honored my son’s wish, he lives on – twice. I am comforted that Thomas’ donation benefited a recipient to see clearly again and research is actively exploring a cure for PPCD.”
“Thomas made a conscious decision to give of his self beyond his last breath. And I could not be more proud of him for his ever continuing gift of sight. Thomas, my oldest son, had the most deep blue eyes that continue to see even though Thomas cannot.”
Joining the Organ Donor Registry
You can join the national organ, eye and tissue donor registry at registerme.org. “I have been considering becoming an organ donor. Even though I wear glasses, I have been advised that I could still give the gift of sight to someone else,” says Charlotte.