The Story of Maria Teresa Lilo
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Image Description: A woman getting her eyes checked by a doctor.
The Story of Maria Teresa Lilo
A Gratis Ocular Tissue Recipient
At Lions Eye Institute, we prepare many corneas for transplants that occur outside of the United States where the culture of organ, eye, and tissue donation may not be as strong.

In those cases, it can be difficult to follow up with patients after their surgeries. However, Maria Teresa Lilo, a recent Gratis Ocular Tissue patient, sent us a thank you note (translated below) that we want to share with you.

If you have had to take the call to allow your loved one to become a donor, Maria's letter should tell you just how important and meaningful that gift is.

Thank you for being a part of our mission to restore sight!
Image Description: Maria Teresa Lilo wearing a white shirt and smiling. She has dark eyes and short, grey hair.
“I want to thank you because through you I received the donation of corneal cells that made it possible for me to undergo a transplant on March 8.

"This donation means a lot to me and to my whole family, it is of great help because thanks to it I hope to regain my sight and gradually return to having a life that allows me to be independent.

"I can't stop thinking about the donation, about those people who, without knowing me, decided to help me in a selfless and supportive way in that difficult moment for me.

"I am eternally grateful and they already have a place in my heart. Thanks, thanks!!!"

- Maria Teresa Lilo, Gratis Ocular Tissue Recipient
For more stories like Maria's, like us on Facebook.
Are you interested in telling your story? Send an email to James at jrosa@lionseyeinstitute.org.
Do you want to support cornea transplants for people like Maria? Make a gift to support the Lions Eye Institute Foundation.
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