Becoming a Sustainer for Sight is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a profound way to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need the gift of sight. At Eversight, we are privileged to witness the extraordinary impact of our sustainers’ generosity. Here, we share the stories of individuals and families whose personal connections to Eversight have inspired them to give monthly, ensuring others can experience the transformative power of restored sight.
A commitment rooted in experience
Roger and Harriett Spriggs’ connection to Eversight began when Roger joined the Lions in 2010. A tour of Eversight’s facility opened their eyes to the depth of care and professionalism involved in restoring sight.
“It was so much more than we imagined,” Harriett said. “The staff talking with the bereaved relatives of the donors left an impression on us of professionalism and caring.”
Their passion grew after hearing the story of Fran Grabowski, a double cornea recipient, and witnessing firsthand how Eversight’s work transforms lives.
“We continue to hear about people whose lives have changed, another friend Lion Connie Neese is also a double cornea recipient,” she said.
Inspired by the organization’s mission, Roger and Harriett became Sustainers for Sight.
“We have seen Eversight change lives in a dramatic manner,” Harriett said. “Becoming a sustainer really didn’t take much thought, it’s the right thing to do. Our small monthly donations are provided seamlessly to support a wonderful organization. We thank you for your service.”
Supporting through leadership
Jack Romano’s journey with Eversight began during his tenure as District Governor in 2015-2016, when Eversight was still known as the Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey. Jack witnessed the dedication of the staff and the organization’s commitment to saving sight. Later, as a Board member, he saw firsthand the importance of financial contributions.
“I firmly believe that in any organization, especially a non-profit, all Board members should contribute to the financial success of the organization. Such is the case with Eversight,” Jack said.
For him, becoming a Sustainer for Sight was a practical and meaningful choice.
“While Eversight seeks larger grants to support research and their global work, it is those smaller donations from the Corporate Board, the Advisory Boards, Lions, and the general public that makes Eversight meaningful to those who need a corneal transplant,” he said.
Jack believes becoming a sustainer is a meaningful way to change lives.
“For as little as $10 a month, you can make a difference in someone’s life,” he shared.
Jack’s message is clear: through sustained giving, anyone can support the healing power of donation, transplantation and research, ensuring Eversight’s mission continues to help those in need.
A mother's gratitude
For Carolyn Mekhail and her family, Eversight’s work is deeply personal. Her son, Bob, was born with a severe case of Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy, which left him in constant discomfort and his vision impaired.
“As an infant, sunlight or bright lights would always seem to cause him distress, and his eyes were a constant source of irritation,” Carolyn said. “We did our best to make him wear sunglasses or limit our time outside, but his father and I worried about how Bob’s childhood would unfold if something as simple as playing in the sunshine would cause him pain.”
At just 18 months old, Bob underwent two complex cornea transplant surgeries performed by Jeffrey Goshe, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic, with donor tissue provided by Eversight.
“My husband and I decided to become Eversight sustainers while we were in the waiting room during Bob’s second surgery,” she said. “We are endlessly grateful that such an organization exists, and that so many people have contributed their time, talents and ingenuity to restore our son’s eyesight.”
Now three years old, Bob is thriving—exploring the library, playing with his sister, starting preschool and seeing the world with eyes full of wonder.
“We will forever be thankful for Dr. Goshe and Eversight for giving our son the ability to see, learn and grow,” Carolyn said.
Paying it forward
Franklin Warren learned the transformational impact Eversight has on people’s lives when he received two corneal transplants, one in each eye.
“Since my transplants, I can play sports with my daughters,” Franklin said. “For me, that’s been the biggest change. I really feel more present. My vision journey taught me that I took a lot of life for granted."
Franklin wanted to find a way to give back to others also suffering from vision loss, so he became a Sustainer for Sight.
Become a Sustainer for Sight
The stories of Roger and Harriett Spriggs, Jack Romano, Carolyn Mekhail, and Franklin Warren illustrate the life-changing power of sustained giving. As a Sustainer for Sight, you can make a tangible impact, ensuring that Eversight continues to restore sight and transform lives.
For as little as $10 a month, you can help provide corneal transplants, support donor families, and advance vital research. At $25 a month, you can completely cover the costs associated with recovering a cornea tissue from a donor.
Giving is easy, automatic and profoundly meaningful. Join us in bringing the gift of sight to those who need it most.
Together, we can continue to change lives, one gift at a time.
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