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.
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.
LionJanice 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.
LionDr. 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.
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.
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!
Organ and tissue donation plays a vital role in saving and healing lives. One generous decision can restore sight, improve quality of life, and offer second chances to individuals and families who may have been waiting for hope. Behind every transplant or tissue donation is a story of connection, one person’s choice becoming another person’s opportunity to live, heal, or see the world again.
Despite its life-changing impact, donation is often surrounded by misinformation. Myths and misunderstandings can create unnecessary fear or hesitation, preventing people from learning the facts about how donation works and why it matters. Correcting this misinformation is essential. When people have clear, accurate information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions rooted in compassion rather than uncertainty.
One of the most important, and often overlooked, steps in donation is talking with loved ones about your decision. Registering as an organ and tissue donor is powerful, but sharing that choice ensures your wishes are understood and honored. These conversations provide clarity during emotional moments and offer families reassurance, knowing they are carrying out a decision made with intention and care.
This year’s National Donor Day theme uses trees as a symbol of life and connection. Like trees in a forest, donation creates a network of connection between donors, recipients, and their families. Each gift becomes part of something larger, a living legacy that continues to grow, offering hope, healing, and life long after the original decision is made. This February 14, take a moment to learn the facts, dispel myths, and talk with your loved ones, helping ensure your legacy continues to grow.
Saving Sight is proud to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors. Each brings unique experiences, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to service that will help guide our mission of changing lives by saving sight.
VCC Rachel Harper
VCC Rachel Harper has been a proud Lion since 2016, serving with the Carrollton Lions Club, the oldest club in Missouri Lions MD26-M4. For 2025–2026, she is honored to serve as District Governor for MD26-M4 and was recently elected Missouri Lions Vice Council Chair. VCC Rachel is especially passionate about learning more about First Gift, our newest tissue donation program, and contributing to its growth. Professionally, she works as a Digital Media Marketing Specialist at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, where she leads digital communications and marketing initiatives.
Lion Aaron Hoeffling
Lion Aaron Hoeffling, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, brings more than two decades of leadership experience to the board. After serving in Florida, Alaska, and Korea, he transitioned into civilian leadership roles, most recently as Plant Manager at Zephyr Manufacturing. An active Lion since 2016, Aaron has held several club and district leadership roles and will serve as Vice District Governor in 2026. Inspired by Saving Sight’s mission after attending a board meeting in 2024, he is honored to support the organization’s vision of transforming lives through restored sight
Lion Stephen “Steve” Murray
Lion Stephen “Steve” Murray joins the board with an accomplished career in utility leadership and civic engagement. He held leadership roles with Associated Industries of Missouri, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and multiple energy associations throughout his career. Now retired, Steve continues his service as president of the Carl Junction Lions Club, where he recently led a successful Eye Mission that reached more than 100 local residents and distributed more than 75 sets of eyeglasses. He also serves on the board of directors of the Joplin Association for the Blind and was nominated to Saving Sight’s board in June 2025
CC Wendetta (Wendy) N. Williams
CC Wendetta (Wendy) N. Williams brings distinguished leadership experience as both a Lion and a veteran. She is the Council Chairperson for MD-26 Missouri Lions from 2025–2026 and has served in numerous roles within the Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club, including president and treasurer. In recognition of her service, she received the International President’s Leadership Award. CC Wendy retired as a Colonel after 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and currently serves as an Operations Research Analyst for the Department of the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Together, VCC Rachel, Lion Aaron, Lion Steve, and CC Wendy represent a diverse range of leadership, service, and dedication to community. We are excited to welcome them to the Board of Directors and look forward to their guidance in furthering Saving Sight’s life-changing mission.
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.
