Image Description: David Harvell sitting on the ground with five other men wearing red and white at a fair.

The Story of David Harvell

David Harvell was a “good old boy” from the South. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed camping and hanging out with his brothers. He was a family man with deep roots in Florida and was the father of four girls and two boys. David raised his daughters to be able to do what the boys did, hunting, fishing, and fixing their own cars.

David built offshore oil rigs and worked all over the world. He worked in England, the Gulf of Mexico, Africa, and other places. David passed away and became a cornea donor on May 25, 2020.

Image Description: David Harvell smiling holding a fishing pole with a large fish on the end.

“I felt like [cornea donation] was something that would bring 'a rainbow' to my family after losing him. It was also an opportunity for me, from working at LEITR, to show my family what a great thing this is. It enabled me to educate on any fears about donation and have a peace of mind.” – Karen Harvell, Daughter of Cornea Donor, David Harvell and Lions Eye Institute Employee

Karen Harvell is currently the Recovery Supervisor for North Florida and Louisiana for Lions Eye Institute. Though she understands the importance of donation, she also knows it takes a great deal of trust to be a donor family.

“As an employee, I am passionate about our commitment to our goal. I believe in our mission. My commitment doesn’t end when I clock out. Personally, I am very respectful to donors. I felt comfortable knowing that Lions Eye Institute would do a good job and honor my father. I trusted my staff with my father’s donation, just as others trust me with their loved ones.”

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