2019 News and Stories

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.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Iowa Lions Eye Bank annual Celebration of Hope & Renewal on Thursday, May 23rd, held within the magnificent Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden, located directly across from the main entrance to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC).

Ruth Andresen Bickel was born on September 12, 1920 in Flensburg, Germany, to Antonia Panitz Andresen and Claus August Andresen

In October 2018, Dr. Alex Cohen reached out to Iowa Lions Eye Bank to provide corneal tissue for three patients for his annual mission trip to Swaziland through The Luke Commission (TLC), an organization which delivers free compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to rural communities in Southern Africa.

Faculty, staff, and friends of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences gathered to celebrate the appointment of three new endowed professorships at an Investiture Ceremony held in March.

On February 12, 2016, Kyle Vosberg lost his life in a tragic car accident at the young age of 19. Kyle was the middle child of his Potosi, Wisconsin family and left behind his father, David “Bubba” Vosberg, his mother and stepfather Lisa and Eric “Benny” Gotzinger, and two sisters, Katie and Kalynn. Survivors also include a large extended family and many friends.

On January 24, 2015, Mariah Marshall lost her life in a tragic car accident at the young age of 17 near her home town of Bloomfield, Iowa. Mariah was a junior at Davis County High School and had just completed her CNA certificate. She wanted to become an Occupational Therapist to help patients who had suffered a brain injury.

My name is Scott, and I would like to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. I am a farmer and retired firefighter who has spent most of my life helping others—never thinking that one day I would be the one needing help.

Robert D. Greiner was a beloved old crank. He loved the parts of his family and his life that mattered most to him.

When Candy Barnes, age 56, died at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on June 15, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, this quote rang true with her only daughter, Andrea Barnes. Candy and Andrea shared a strong and adoring mother-daughter bond.