Julie May thought no one would want her eyes.
She was born with congenital cataracts and had one removed more than 25 years ago. So why join the Donor Registry? It’s not like she could donate anyway …
At least that’s what she assumed. But as a Lions District Governor in Michigan, Julie has had the opportunity to learn more about eye, organ and tissue donation and Eversight, one of the Lions State Projects, and her entire perspective has transformed in the past year.
“I’ve gained such an appreciation for the gifts of donation,” Julie said. “It doesn’t matter if you have problems with your eyes or poor vision, because your eye tissue can be used in a variety of ways to help people. Choosing to donate is an amazing gesture.”
After taking a tour of the Eversight headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Julie registered her decision as a donor and is proud of the red heart displayed on her license—a symbol of her consent to donate.
She even took her support of the Eversight mission one step further by joining the organization’s Sustainers for Sight program. Sustainers for Sight are a passionate community of contributors who believe in the Eversight vision of a world without blindness.
“Becoming a Sustainer for Sight means your contribution is a gift that keeps giving,” said Diana Kern, Eversight Vice President of Philanthropy. “It’s a recurring, monthly donation that allows us to grow our impact and give more people the chance to see everything life has to offer.
Julie has always been the kind of person who dives into the causes she believes in. Along with working her way up to a Lions District Governor, she has been a committee member in her local Memorial Day parade and an active 4-H leader. She decided to become a Sustainer after hearing stories about eye donation and corneal transplantation changing people’s lives.
“As long as I can help, whether it’s financially or with both hands, I’m there,” Julie said. “It makes me feel good to know my monthly contribution to Eversight is helping those who are in need.”
“As long as I can help, whether it’s financially or with both hands, I’m there,” says Julie May, a Lions District Governor.
You can give the gift of sight all year long like Julie May by becoming a Sustainer for Sight with a recurring, monthly donation. Join today!
