All news & events

‘My transplant changed my life’

Connie Neese is not one to shy away from a challenge, but when she learned she would need a cornea transplant, Connie was understandably hesitant. The Jackson Eye Openers Lion suffers from a genetic condition called Fuchs’ dystrophy, which can lead to visual impairment and eye... read more

Connie Neese is not one to shy away from a challenge, but when she learned she... read more

‘What a gift it is’

Vanessa Rubin’s sight was restored with two cornea transplants. In the time of COVID-19, where so many things have been taken away from people, Vanessa is extremely grateful to have received the gift of sight that has improved her life greatly. “I don’t think any of us take eyesight... read more

Vanessa Rubin’s sight was restored with two cornea transplants. In the time of COVID-19,... read more

One child’s heroic battle with cancer leads to immeasurable good

Patti Gustafson and her husband Allen lead the Swifty Foundation, established with their late son, Michael, to raise research funds and awareness for the pediatric brain cancer he battled before his death at age 15. Patti recently spoke to our Eversight staff and at our Illinois gathering of... read more

Patti Gustafson and her husband Allen lead the Swifty Foundation, established with their late... read more

A gift too monumental for words

Patrick Pruitt had his sight restored with a cornea transplant when he was just 6 years old. Today, Patrick is celebrating 30 years with the same cornea. In that time, he has shared his story with countless others, served on the Eversight Michigan Advisory Board and pursued a challenging career in... read more

Patrick Pruitt had his sight restored with a cornea transplant when he was just 6 years... read more

My life and the lives of my family are forever changed.

Ten years ago, I was given the gift of sight. This gift has allowed me to see and share in weddings, graduations, birthdays and the birth of my grandchildren. It allows me to reach out and volunteer. It allows me to share ice cream cones with sprinkles late at night with my college-age... read more

Ten years ago, I was given the gift of sight. This gift has allowed me to see and share in... read more

Cornea transplants offer young recipient a chance for an enriched life

Duaa Babekr was just 4 years old when she began experiencing vision problems. Realizing their daughter—the second oldest of their five children—would have to struggle to do things that came naturally to other kids was heartbreaking for her parents, but they tried to stay positive. “It... read more

Duaa Babekr was just 4 years old when she began experiencing vision problems. Realizing their... read more

Born with congenital glaucoma, Lily Schlafauser has dealt with eye problems since birth. She underwent her first cornea transplant at just 15 months old, and has had three more since. "Constant doctors visits, surgeries and eye drops have become a normal part of her life," said Lily's mother,... read more

Born with congenital glaucoma, Lily Schlafauser has dealt with eye problems since birth. She... read more

Alicia Linde was 16 years old when she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Suddenly, as a high school student, she was thrown into a world of eye tests, doctor visits and the prospect of losing her sight in just a matter of years. “It was very hard to feel normal at that age when you’re dealing... read more

Alicia Linde was 16 years old when she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Suddenly, as a high school... read more

Persistence personified

Gerry Bouey wanted a job. As the third child of six in a blue-collar Detroit home, the precocious 12-year-old figured he needed to find work, just like his older brother and sister had when they turned 12. But there was one significant difference between Gerry and his siblings. None of them... read more

Gerry Bouey wanted a job. As the third child of six in a blue-collar Detroit home, the... read more

Jan Phillips is giving back

When Jan Phillips lost her sight, she thought to herself, “What am I missing the most? What would I do if I could see again?” As a teenager, Jan was diagnosed with keratoconus, an eye disease in which the cornea bulges outward and distorts vision. If the disease progresses, vision loss... read more

When Jan Phillips lost her sight, she thought to herself, “What am I missing the most? What... read more