The Eye-Bank participated in the 29th annual Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) “Remember and Rejoice” ecumenical service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Saturday, March 28. Approximately 2,000 members of the transplant community—transplant recipients, donor families, and mission-connected professionals – attended to pay tribute to eye, organ and tissue donors and their families and to celebrate the gifts of sight, life and healing that donors provide to transplant recipients.
The ceremony began as the hymn “Amazing Grace” played by the NYPD Emerald Society Bagpipers, echoed throughout the cathedral. Eddie Garcia, Vice President of TRIO National gave the opening remarks and was followed by the heartfelt stories of donor family members and transplant recipients.
17-year-old cornea transplant recipient and Eye-Bank volunteer Allison Lauer was among the featured speakers. Allison, a young artist, regained her sight through corneal transplantation after a parasitic eye infection threatened her vision. She shared that she is now able to see again and continue to pursue her art thanks to the generosity of her eye donors. Allison’s story was featured on CBS’s coverage of the event; you can watch the video here.
Dominique Bethea, donor family member and Donate Life New York State Program Manager also shared her father’s story. An organ recipient, he was compelled by the generosity of his donors to become a strong advocate for donation and, ultimately, an eye donor himself.
These personal stories were followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and a rose ceremony.
Eye-Bank Communications Director Maria Chelko and TRIO Vice President Ira. J. Copperman read the names of approximately 600 eye, organ and tissue donors, many whose families were in attendance. The event concluded with blessings from religious leaders of various faiths.
The Eye-Bank is grateful to TRIO’s Manhattan Chapter for organizing this unique and meaningful event, to Allison and Dominique for sharing their stories, and to all the donors and their families whose generosity restores sight, provides healing and saves lives.
A full recording of the Remember and Rejoice service is available on YouTube.