May 9, 2025 | News
Rebecca and Aleigha
Aleigha was the kind of person who always put others first. Sensitive and kind-hearted, she never hesitated to help someone. From a young age, Aleigha was outgoing, funny, and full of life. She loved watching her younger brother’s football games with her mom, laughing and cheering from the sidelines. She grew into a compassionate young woman, and though she once dreamed of becoming an EMT, her path shifted with love and motherhood.
She found joy in the simple things—quiet rides on dirt roads, music playing through the speakers, her daughters giggling in the back seat. Aleigha adored her two young girls, Jazzlyn and Jayde. They were her pride and joy. Moments like those were full of connection, love, and happiness.
When her family learned that Aleigha could become a cornea donor through Saving Sight, they felt both the shock of loss and the comfort of purpose. “Deciding to donate was an honor,” her mom, Rebecca, says. “Knowing that Aleigha selflessly shared a part of herself to brighten a stranger’s life has been a true blessing.” Aleigha’s family found comfort in knowing her legacy would live on as a donor hero. Her mom, Rebecca, shares, “Being a donor family is an honor. Knowing that a loved one can give all they have for strangers and that those strangers are flourishing is a blessing.”
Aleigha and family
Her mother now honors her by sharing her story whenever she can and attending events celebrating the gift of eye, organ, and tissue donation. “It brings us joy to be in contact with her recipients,” she says. “Knowing she’s still here in a way you can cling to mentally and emotionally.” It’s through those connections that Aleigha’s family has found an unexpected comfort. Each thank-you note is a reminder that Aleigha’s light endures, sparking new beginnings in eyes and hearts she’ll never meet.
In the months following Aleigha’s donation, Rebecca found solace and solidarity within the tight-knit donation community. Rebecca enjoys going to donor remembrance events, where she meets fellow donor families who understand grief’s quiet ache and the profound pride that comes with giving life to strangers. “We can be there for each other. Even though we are all strangers in this walk of life, we all have a commonality,” her mom, Rebecca, shares. Thanks to their warmth, she discovered that although every loss is intensely personal, the shared compassion of fellow donor families can turn grief into a celebration of hope and healing.”
“To fellow donor families, she offers this comfort: ‘When uncertainty feels overwhelming, hold on to hope. I envision my daughter’s spark living on in others—illuminating their lives just as it did ours.”
This Mother’s Day, we honor Aleigha, her giving spirit, and the strength of her mother, Rebecca, who continues to share her daughter’s light with the world.
Apr 30, 2025 | News
For Lonna, a cornea transplant meant the difference between a life half‐seen and life brought back into clear focus. Her journey began when routine eye discomfort revealed a deeper problem: a scarred cornea that made everyday life “very fuzzy,” she said, and left her legally blind in one eye.
Her ophthalmologist referred Lonna to Saving Sight corneal surgeon partner Dr. Thomas in Springfield, MO, and Lonna didn’t hesitate. “I wanted it right away,” she recalled. Tests confirmed that without intervention, she risked losing vision permanently. Within weeks, Lonna sat in the operating room—awake but at ease—watching the team at work.
The procedure took less than 30 minutes, and Lonna felt almost nothing. By her first follow-up, she’d read two more lines on the eye chart. “I have had zero issues, and it’s just been amazing,” she said. Six months later, Dr. Thomas told her the transplant was “textbook perfect.”
Lonna’s renewed sight has already changed her daily life. She’s back to reading books before bed and driving to her grandchildren’s school plays without hesitation. But more than that, she’s rediscovered the simple joys she once took for granted—like watching the sunrise in her backyard. “I couldn’t see well at all,” she said. “Now I notice every leaf on the trees.”
Throughout her recovery, Lonna has carried deep gratitude for the donor hero who made her new cornea possible. “Someone selflessly gave me the gift of sight,” she said. “It’s overwhelming.” That gratitude, she hopes, will inspire others to register as donors. “You might be able to change someone’s world just by checking that box,” she said.
Lonna’s journey reminds us that a single choice can have a lasting impact. “I tell everyone: sign up for the registry, you never know whose life you could change,” she said. Through her restored sight, she hopes countless others will discover that same gift—and that more lives will be brought into focus.
Apr 30, 2025 | News
At Saving Sight, we are proud to recognize the Lions who embody the spirit of service through their dedication to changing lives by saving sight. This year’s 2025 Lions Ambassador of the Year Award nominees inspire all of us with their passion, leadership, and impact across Missouri and beyond.
Lion Glendon Sattler nominated by DG Wendetta Williams
Lion Glendon Sattler has been a driving force behind the Perryville Lions Club’s volunteerism with the KidSight program since 2019. Thanks to his leadership, screenings now reach all preschools and school districts in Perry County. Since 2019, 1,946 children have been screened, with more than 200 referred for further care, ensuring a brighter future for countless young lives.
Lion Mary Jane Noellsch nominated by DG Carol Deters
Lion Mary Jane Noellsch leads with heart and commitment. Since 2019, she has helped “Team Bowling Green” conduct 155 screenings for more than 8,400 children. Her nursing background brings exceptional expertise and compassion to every screening. Beyond the field, she has served on the KidSight board, strengthening the organization at every level.
PDG Leon Hove nominated by DG Frank Lambrecht, DG Michelle Foster, and the Saving Sight Board of Directors
PDG Leon Hove is a tireless champion for the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation. Since joining Lions in 1977, Lion Leon’s work has helped expand access to eye care locally and internationally. From transporting box after box of eyeglasses to leading eye missions across Missouri, Panama, and Mexico, Leon’s commitment leaves a legacy. His role in establishing the Missouri Lions Eye Mission as a 501(c)(3) organization demonstrates his visionary leadership.
PDG Wayne Cunningham and Lion Susan Cunningham nominated by VCC Tina Anderson
PDG Wayne Cunningham and Lion Susan Cunningham exemplify service through action. Together, they have screened an incredible 18,500 children across preschools, schools, and daycares. Often traveling multiple days a week and covering two to three locations per day, they bring the Lions’ motto “We Serve” to life in a powerful way.
Karen Noel nominated by DG Mikey Beach
Karen Noel has forged a strong partnership with the Lions through her leadership in organizing community eye missions in the Kansas City area. Her vision also brought about a project to recycle eyeglasses at Catholic Charities’ new headquarters, helping to expand the Lions’ impact and sustainability efforts.
PDG Devin Struttmann nominated by CC Sherl Horton
PDG Devin Struttmann has been instrumental in growing the eye mission program statewide. His leadership and infectious enthusiasm have inspired many to join the cause, allowing more individuals, both children and adults, to receive the gift of sight.
Each of these remarkable Lions has strengthened our mission and touched countless lives along the way. We are proud to honor these nominees who give so much of themselves in service to others. They embody the very best of who the Lions are: compassionate, committed, and united in service to others. Congratulations to our 2025 nominees and thank you for helping change lives by saving sight!
Oct 28, 2024 | News
Saving Sight, a national leader in eye banking services, announced that it has entered a new partnership to serve the state of Arkansas alongside Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA), the state’s federally designated organ procurement organization. The new partnership began October 7, 2024, and will focus on maximizing the gift of sight through eye donation and transplantation in Arkansas communities.
In this new partnership, Saving Sight will process and distribute ocular tissues for transplantation recovered by the ARORA team. Those tissues will be offered to surgeons performing sight-saving corneal transplants in Arkansas, regionally, and beyond.
As a northern geographical neighbor to ARORA, Saving Sight has a history of serving corneal transplant patients in Arkansas communities who see physicians in the Missouri Ozarks. In 2023, Saving Sight provided tissues for transplant to 69 individuals throughout the state of Arkansas – a number that will grow exponentially over the next year.
“A key ingredient of our work at Saving Sight is stewardship of the gift of donation,” said Tony Bavuso, CEO of Saving Sight. “We are thrilled to work with a like-minded partner like ARORA to ensure the impact of each Arkansan’s gift of sight is truly life-changing for others in their community and beyond.”
Mark Tudor, president and CEO of ARORA affirmed Bavuso’s sentiments adding, “We are very thankful for our partnership with Saving Sight for providing us with another avenue to honor every donation.” Tudor, who is also a donor family member, added “as a donor father whose daughter was a corneal donor, I can truly say that cornea donation provides families like mine an opportunity to change the world through a different lens.”
About Saving Sight
Saving Sight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to change lives by saving sight. Founded in 1960, Saving Sight has become one of the nation’s leading eye banks and is focused on providing innovative solutions to its clinical partners. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Saving Sight facilitates eye donation in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois, impacting the lives of those both near and far through transplantation.
About ARORA
ARORA was established in 1987 as a nonprofit, accredited organ procurement agency. Serving 64 counties across the state, ARORA is headquartered in Little Rock and has a satellite office in northwest Arkansas. ARORA’s mission is to restore lives through the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant. Learn more at www.arora.org.
Jul 19, 2024 | News
In 1960, Saving Sight began its journey of restoring vision through charitable vision programs, showing a commitment to community needs and a spirit of generosity. While the delivery of our programs has evolved, our legacy of giving continues to thrive through our mission partners. In 2021, Saving Sight’s board of directors established a board-designated quasi-endowment fund to support grants given to charitable organizations with a similar mission. We are proud to share the impact of grants given to four outstanding organizations in fiscal year 2023-2024: Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, KidSight, Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling, and Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service.
Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation – $7,000
Upon receipt of the grant money, the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation purchased two Titmus V4 Vision Screeners. The total cost was $8,952.63, with the foundation contributing an additional $1,952.63. These state-of-the-art screeners have significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of their vision screenings at mission events. To date, they have screened 239 individuals and have 17 more events planned, where they expect to serve hundreds or even thousands more.
KidSight – $43,000
KidSight utilized this grant for general operating expenses, enabling them to screen 39,943 children at 643 events and refer 3,674 children for potential vision disorders. Among those referred, 897 were at high risk for developing amblyopia. KidSight’s staff assisted 72 families with one-on-one referral navigation services, ensuring children received the necessary care. Additionally, partnerships with Zenni Optical and the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic (KCFEC) were established to eliminate barriers to care. The collaboration with Zenni Optical has provided glasses to eight families, while the mobile vision clinic with KCFEC served 238 students and provided free on-site vision exams to 11 students. These initiatives not only address immediate vision needs but also gather crucial data to improve KidSight’s screening program and advocate for early vision screenings.
Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling – $5,000
The Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center used the grant to enhance the safety, usability, and longevity of their facility. Major upgrades included new LED lighting in work areas, a new handrail for the primary entrance, exterior lighting for entrances and emergency exits, additional fire extinguishers, and new guttering. These improvements, partially completed by Lions volunteers, ensure a safer and more efficient environment for processing donated eyeglasses. The total cost of these projects was $5,566.76, with the grant covering a portion of the expenses.
Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service – $5,000
Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service expressed their gratitude for the support from Saving Sight, which enabled them to assist several Missouri residents with vision care. This fiscal year, they have seen 49 patients from Missouri and have paid a total of $6,924.00 for three patients’ bills. The grant from Saving Sight was instrumental in covering these costs, allowing Mid-South Lions to stretch their resources and provide essential care. The patients received significant financial assistance, demonstrating the impact these grants can make.
Saving Sight’s board of directors remains committed to supporting our mission partners in their efforts to restore vision and improve lives. At their most recent meeting in June 2024, Saving Sight’s board granted the following additional funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year:
• KidSight: $41,500
• Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation: $16,500
• Missouri Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program: $2,000
The grants provided this year have empowered these organizations to expand their services, enhance their capabilities, and serve more individuals in need. We are proud of the collective impact we have made and look forward to continuing our legacy of giving in the years to come.
Jul 19, 2024 | News
At Saving Sight, our mission to change lives by saving sight is supported by a group of passionate and dedicated Board Members. They play a crucial role in guiding our efforts and bringing different perspectives and expertise to our organization. This year, we are thrilled to welcome four new members to our board. Each of these individuals brings unique experiences and a shared commitment to making a lasting impact on vision health. Join us in welcoming our new Board Members, PCC Ron Campbell, VCC Tina Anderson, Jonathan Smith, and CC Sherl Horton, to the Saving Sight family.
PCC Ron Campbell
Lions Multiple District M-4 Representative
PCC Ron Campbell returns to our board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous terms (2017-2019) and his service on our honorary board. Representing Lions Multiple District M-4, PCC Ron is excited to start his first three-year term with renewed energy and dedication. His background in leadership within the Lions organization, including serving as the Missouri Lions Council Chair, uniquely positions him to contribute to our mission.
Reflecting on his journey, PCC Ron shared, “I’ve always been passionate about helping others and being part of the Saving Sight board allows me to contribute to a cause that truly changes lives. My goal is to help our organization grow and support other nonprofits with similar missions.”
VCC Tina Anderson
Missouri Lions Vice Council Chair
Joining us for a one-year term as Missouri Lions Vice Council Chair, Tina Anderson brings a strong commitment to community service and a wealth of experience from various leadership roles within the Lions organization. Her dedication to improving the lives of those in need aligns perfectly with our mission at Saving Sight.
“I’ve always found joy in serving my community,” VCC Tina said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Saving Sight. It allows me to contribute to a mission that’s close to my heart. I’m excited to learn and see how I can help further our impact on those in need of vision care.”
CC Sherl Horton
Missouri Lions Council Chair
CC Sherl Horton joins the board as the Missouri Lions Council Chair for a one-year term. With a background in financial management, Sherl has served in various roles, including treasurer, secretary, and district governor within the Lions organization. Her extensive experience in these positions equips her with the skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to our board and our mission.
CC Sherl highlighted her enthusiasm for the future, stating, “We’ve seen such impressive growth and impact with Vital Tears. I’m really excited about the potential for furthering our mission and expanding our reach at Saving Sight.”
Jonathan Smith
Community Board Member
Jonathan Smith, a non-Lion community board member, has a background in public health and a passion for health equity. Having grown up in Detroit and moved to Kansas in 2013, Jonathan has been actively involved in federally qualified health centers, focusing on ensuring that underserved communities receive the care they need.
Jonathan shared his perspective, “Empowering individuals and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources has always been my focus. At Saving Sight, I hope to contribute to increasing awareness and education about cornea donation, which is often overlooked.”
Jonathan is eager to learn and collaborate with the board, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help Saving Sight fulfill its mission.
We are excited to welcome PCC Ron, VCC Tina, CC Sherl, and Jonathan to our board. Their experiences and shared dedication to our mission will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to change lives by saving sight. At Saving Sight, we believe that our strength lies in our ability to work together, leveraging the skills and passions of our team to make a difference. With the addition of these individuals, we are confident that we will continue to advance our mission and create a brighter future for those we serve. We look forward to the innovative ideas, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment they will bring to our organization. Welcome to the team, PCC Ron, VCC Tina, CC Sherl, and Jonathan!
