Cindy Coughlin, Donor wife
“My husband, Jim, was an incredibly upbeat
person. Even when battling cancer for more
than seven years he remained positive and
went out of his way to help others. So, when
his time came, I knew he would want to be an eye donor. It’s
never easy to lose a loved one, but I believe that honoring Jim
means remembering all the good he did — like giving the
gift of sight — and knowing that he made a real difference.”
Christopher Dixon, Recipient
“I was diagnosed with keratoconus in 2013
and then with a very aggressive and severe
fungal eye infection in 2015. This resulted
in numerous complications, and I was
eventually blind in my left eye for a few
months. At only 24 years old I was terrified
that I might never see again. Fortunately, I underwent
a transplant in March 2015 and my eyesight gradually
returned. I’ve now resumed full duty as an EMT and can
positively impact the lives and health of others. My donor
literally changed my life, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Delta Gamma Chapters
Eversight Illinois partners with Delta Gamma
chapters at DePaul University and the
University of Chicago.
“We are always happy to help Eversight
Illinois because they have done so much for
our chapter. They provide our members with wonderful
partnership opportunities, including: hosting donor
registration tables, volunteering at annual fundraisers and
collaborating for on-campus events. We truly enjoy finding
ways to raise both awareness and funds for their mission.”
said Olivia F., Vice President: Foundation for Delta Gamma at
DePaul University.
Dr. Charles Yu, Researcher
Dr. Yu is an Assistant Professor of
Ophthalmology at the University of
Illinois College of Medicine. He received a
$15,000 Eye and Vision Research Grant from
Eversight on July 1 in support of his work to develop an
advanced artificial cornea.
“Eversight Illinois’ support is critical in our efforts to develop
the next generation of vision restoration devices. We hope
our technology will someday be able to help thousands of
visually impaired patients.”
Mary Jane Wischler, Cornea recipient
and financial contributor
“I’ve lived with keratoconus for most of
my life, causing my eyesight to deteriorate
before I received a cornea transplant in
February 2012. Now, thanks to my donor, I
live my life fully instead of merely exist. Since my surgery
I’ve become a member of Eversight Illinois’ Visionary
Society as a financial contributor, and even toured the
facility and witnessed firsthand the work being done by the
organization’s dedicated staff. Thanks to Eversight Illinois my
future is filled with endless possibilities.”
Dr. Catharine J. Crockett,
Corneal surgeon
Dr. Crockett is an Eversight Illinois Medical
Director and ophthalmologist at Eye
Surgical Associates in Bloomington.
“It’s nice to know that our community is able to be so
charitable, and that donor tissue from Illinois is most
beneficial to the people of this area. The relationship between
eye banks and Medical Directors is truly enhanced by being
local. This connection provides easy access to a high level of
service and learning opportunities for both of us.”
Get connected
Contact our team for opportunities to get involved
Brittany Wright
[email protected]
Community Outreach
Soni Sinha
[email protected]
Charitable Support
Mary Peete
[email protected]
Surgeon Relations
Colleen Vrbra
[email protected]
Researcher Relations