News & Stories

936 Iowans donated their eyes or corneas to Iowa Lions Eye Bank in 2019, resulting in 748 cornea transplants in 20 states along with Egypt and Swaziland.  Donated tissues was also used from many donors to continue our research efforts to 'Perfect the Transplant and Prevent the Transplant.'

Irene Saur-Jones died at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics at the age of 99 years and 3 months. According to her family, Irene had no true desire to live such a long life, but she did her best to enjoy each day as it came to her. She enjoyed staying connected to people and worldly affairs by watching TV and reading her iPad. Irene felt blessed to be surrounded by her loving family and friends, and rarely voiced a complaint.

Douglas Stewart from Muscatine, Iowa died on February 26, 2017 at the age of 52.  But he might have died 16 years earlier were it not for a very special gift he received--twice—the gift of life. Doug was only 36 years old, and the father of four young children, when he was first told he would need a liver transplant. Unfortunately, the first transplant failed, and he underwent a second liver transplant just 2 years later.

My husband Lee and I were very dedicated motorcycle riders; Lee lived for riding. He participated in many charity rides and benefits for every cause imaginable. He put his own ride together every year in honor of his grandson who has juvenile diabetes. This ride helped the family with the high costs of medication, doctor visits and transportation. I am so proud of how one unorganized man single-handedly planned a large motorcycle ride with 5 stops spanning 5 hours, followed by a benefit consisting of a raffle, silent auction, buffet and live band.

The Recipient Rainbow Tree was created and decorated by the Family Services Program of Iowa Lions Eye Bank. We are excited to share the gratitude for restored or enhanced sight experienced by our grateful cornea transplant recipients of all ages! 

Erica Reed was a gift to this world and her sweet spirit changed the lives of all those who loved her. Forever childlike, she adored zebras and flamingos, donuts and snow, shopping and traveling, telling jokes, and surrounding herself with those who loved her as much as she loved them. When meeting her for the first time, Erica would insist on knowing that person's favorite color, shape, animal, number, and Disney character. When posing for group photos, she brought smiles to all by innocently reaching to give bunny ears to whoever was next to her. Erica never wished she was anyone else but herself.

The Giving Tree Reception and Ceremony was held the afternoon of December 5th, 2019 in the Atrium Lobby of UIHC.  Paying tribute to UIHC’s organ, eye and tissue donors of 2018, families were gathered together in remembrance of their loved ones during this special season of giving.  Several speakers provided testimonials and shared stories of heartbreak, inspiration and hope in honor of those who have given life, sight, mobility and healing to recipients in Iowa and beyond through organ, eye and tissue donation.

A mutual love of the University of Iowa Hawkeye football team isn't the only thing that Ian Lutz and Calvin "Cal" VanLoh have in common. They are also connected through the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, which provided the corneas for the recent transplant each received to help restore their sight.

My father, Ocario Hernandez, was a very loving and caring man who always liked to help others.

Doug Kruse lived a life of service. As a soldier in the US Army and staunch supporter of several veterans’ organizations, as a 25-year member of the Grinnell Lions Club, as a church elder, and as a sponsor of Special Olympics, he was always giving back to his country and his community.