The Impactful Journey of the Donation Decision

It’s just one small word—yes. Defined as an affirmation or positive response, "yes" might seem simple at first glance. Yet, saying yes carries immense power and potential. This word opens doors to new opportunities that can inspire and lead to meaningful change. When it comes to eye, organ, and tissue donation, saying yes means embracing generosity, making a profound impact, and leaving behind a legacy that saves lives. “Yes” can transform lives—consider the difference it could make. 

“Yes” Agrees to Eye Tissue Donation

The day began like any other, with the sun rising in the east and bathing the Rockies in a warm, golden hue. Mr. Yes stretched and prepared for an important milestone: renewing his driver license. Today was special because he was turning 18, marking his official transition into adulthood.

Last night at dinner, Mr. Yes engaged in a meaningful conversation with his parents. They explored what it truly means to be 18—embracing the rights and responsibilities of voting and adulthood. Central to this discussion was the significance of being asked the donation question at the driver license office and becoming an eye, organ, and tissue donor. Together, the family had expressed their shared commitment to making a positive impact on others’ lives, even in the face of loss.


Armed with knowledge and a sense of purpose, Mr. Yes felt ready for the donation question. He had researched the implications of being a donor and understood the importance of the donor designation symbol. The time spent discussing this issue with his family empowered him, reinforcing his belief in the difference he could make. As he left for the driver license office, Mr. Yes was confident in his decision; his choice to donate was an opportunity to give to others in need.

“Yes” Gives Gifts that Restore Sight

Several years later, Mr. Yes's parents received a difficult call late one evening. The hospital staff informed them that Mr. Yes had been involved in a tragic accident. They shared that he was a candidate for eye tissue donation, which could potentially restore sight for two individuals in need. The hospital assured them that someone from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank (RMLEB) would be reaching out to them soon.

Amid their grief, Mr. Yes' parents remembered a family discussion they had long ago about the importance of eye, organ, and tissue donation. They recalled how Mr. Yes was always eager to help his friends and fellow fraternity members. Knowing that he was a registered donor, they felt a deep conviction that he would have wanted to make a difference in someone else's life.

Mr. Yes' parents honored his decision to be an eye tissue donor. Upon being contacted by RMLEB, they worked with the clinical staff to provide Mr. Yes' medical history. This process was similar to the thorough questions asked during blood donation. RMLEB staff showed deep care and respect in acknowledging his generous donation.

“Yes” Leaves a Legacy of Sight

The day began like any other. Mr. Yes’ parents were enjoying lunch outside on a crisp autumn afternoon when the mail carrier arrived and dropped several letters in the mailbox. Mr. Yes’s father retrieved the mail and immediately noticed a letter from RMLEB.

The letter from RMLEB revealed that Mr. Yes’s donated left cornea had restored sight to an adolescent girl in Colorado. His donated right cornea was included in a research study aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and clinical practices to help others overcome blindness.

Although Mr. Yes’ parents felt grief, they were also overwhelmed with gratitude upon learning about the impact of their son's eye tissue donation. Mr. Yes had created a legacy of helping others, and his gift of restored sight would endure forever. The ripple effect of his life, good deeds, and affirmation of “yes” would continue to live on.

They chose to honor their son’s legacy by volunteering and sharing his inspiring story with others. By becoming Ambassadors of Sight, they actively engaged with their local community and spread awareness about their son’s impact on the world and the powerful legacy he embodied. Join them in this meaningful journey and make a difference!