SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM EDINBURG PARTNERING WITH SAN ANTONIO EYE BANK TO HOST SPECIAL PHOTO EXHIBITION HONORING RIO GRANDE VALLEY CORNEA DONORS
Held in commemoration of National Eye Donation Month, “Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight” honors the life, legacy and families of donors who gave the gift of sight
Giving someone the gift of a second chance at life is one of the most selfless acts a person can commit. There are currently more than 100,000 men, women and children currently on the national transplant waiting list, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Among those in need are individuals waiting on a corneal transplant procedure, an operation to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.
For those suffering from damaged or diseased corneas, the sense of sight is impaired. But, through a corneal transplant, a patient’s sight can be restored, their pain is reduced and the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea can be improved.
In 2023, U.S. eye banks reported more than 100,000 total tissue recoveries. Among those banks is the San Antonio Eye Bank, whose mission is to restore sight, support communities and change lives.
To commemorate the Rio Grande Valley donors that have selflessly given the gift of sight, the Rio Grande Valley Division of the San Antonio Eye Bank, in partnership with South Texas Health System Edinburg, is launching a first-of-its kind exhibition, “Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight” in commemoration of National Eye Donation Month.
The exhibit features six portraits of heroes, who in their deaths, gave the gift of sight to others by donating their corneas. Each portrait highlights a story from the donor’s family that reflects on the beauty of giving and the impact their loved one’s donation had on the community.
“Each portrait connects to a special aspect of the donor’s life and shares a visual testimony of love, legacy and remembrance,” says Gabriela Hernandez, Hospital and Community Relations Specialist, RGV Division, San Antonio Eye Bank of the exhibit, which serves as a way to highlight the experiences and perspectives of donor families.
Housed in the main lobby of South Texas Health System Edinburg, the special installation will be launched on Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m., during a special event for hospital leaders and staff, as well as community members.
“We’re proud to partner with the San Antonio Eye Bank to celebrate these community heroes, their legacies and their families,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System Edinburg & STHS Children’s. “South Texas Health System is committed to being a meaningful partner in educating the community on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation to help improve the quality of life for thousands not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but across the country.
The exhibit will be on display until Saturday, November 30. The community is welcome to stop by to view and learn about the visual testimonies of the donor heroes featured.
To learn more about eye donation, please visit the San Antonio Eye Bank website at www.saeyebank.org. To register to become an organ, eye and/or tissue donor, visit www.donatelifetexas.org.
Who: South Texas Health System Edinburg & The RGV Division of the San Antonio Eye Bank
What: Eyes of the Valley: A Legacy in Sight
When: Thursday, November 21, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Main Lobby South Texas Health System Edinburg 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
About South Texas Health System
About South Texas Health System South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
