Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Recipient Newsletter – April 2026
From Sight to Service: You Are the Living Proof of Our Mission
There was a moment—perhaps it was days or weeks after your surgery—when the world suddenly rushed back in. Maybe it was the sharp outline of a maple leaf, the specific shade of a loved one’s eyes, or the ability to read a book without straining.
As a corneal transplant recipient, you carry a miracle within you. But you also carry something else: a unique perspective. You understand, more than anyone, that sight is not just a biological function—it is independence, it is connection, and it is a second chance.
Today, we aren’t just celebrating your journey; we are inviting you to lead ours. At the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW), we believe that those who have received the Gift of Sight are the most powerful voices to help share it.
2025 Recipient Snapshot: A Year of Global Impact
Because of the “yes” from donors and the support of their families, 2025 was a landmark year for sight restoration. Our community didn’t just meet the need; we exceeded it.
| Impact Region | Miracles Delivered |
| Wisconsin Residents | 800+ (Every local need fully met) |
| United States | 200+ (Sharing the gift across borders) |
| International | 700+ (Spanning 40+ countries) |
| Total Transplants | 1,700+ Sight-Saving Procedures |
By ensuring that Wisconsin’s needs were met first, we were able to extend our reach to more than 40 countries experiencing severe corneal tissue shortages. This is our gift, and this is our mission.
Restoring the Simple Joys: Josiah’s Story
For Josiah Pledl, the loss of his sight was a slow fade. After years of deterioration and being declared legally blind in his left eye in 2010, his world had lost its depth—literally.
“Being blind in one eye causes great difficulty with depth perception,” Josiah shared. For many, that might mean a loss of independence, but for Josiah, it meant something even more personal. “One of my favorite memories as a child was being able to play catch with my dad. Now that I have a 21-month-old son, I want to be able to play catch with him.”
Following his transplant, Josiah’s vision began to return with remarkable speed. Within days, he was no longer legally blind. But more than the clinical success, it was the emotional weight of the gift that moved him. He spent his recovery time writing to his donor’s family—acknowledging that his new beginning came from their profound loss.
Today, Josiah doesn’t just see the world; he sees the future he can now provide for his son. “I woke up this morning, and I could see… the best news of all is that I will now be able to play catch with my son.”
We’re Part of the Cure. You Can Be Too. Join us in Our Mission to Eliminate Corneal Blindness
You are the most authentic advocate for the gift of sight. Here is how you can help ensure that 2026 is even more impactful:
- Become a Volunteer Ambassador: Share your recipient story at health fairs, DMV events, or community meetings. You are the proof that donation works.
- Host an “Eye on Sight” Event: From backyard BBQs to golf outings, community-led fundraisers provide the critical resources needed to ensure access to The Gift of Sight.
- Make a Financial Gift: Every contribution helps us maintain the state-of-the-art technology required to prepare corneal tissue for the 1,700+ people waiting for their miracle.
“I am eternally grateful to everyone who has helped me regain some of my sight so I can have a chance to see the beauty of the world I live in again.”
—Tim Hopping, LEBW recipient & volunteer
Help us give the gift of sight to those in need
Your journey didn’t end when your vision returned—it began. Join us as we work to ensure that no one, in Wisconsin or beyond, has to live in the dark.
