Donating your loved one’s corneas is almost always a positive and rewarding experience, but in the case of Melanie and Bob Schmidt, it seems even more so. After the death of their son, Erik, Melanie and Bob made the decision to donate his bone, connective tissue, Sapheneous vein, heart for valve, and corneas. The South Dakota Lions Eye Bank was able to place both corneas for transplant. One went to a seven-year-old male in Tennessee and one went to a male under the age of one year in North Carolina. It is the story of the boy in North Carolina that paints the true picture of the miracle donation can bring to others.
On July 27, 2000, a baby boy was born to two loving parents. The boy was born with a rare genetic disorder called chloroformed (see below), which means he was born without a working cornea. Without a replacement cornea, the child would most likely be blind his entire life. Because both parents had this same disorder, and also some mild retardation, Social Services stepped in and took the little boy. Social Services then asked the eye bank in North Carolina (LifeShare Eye Facility) if they could provide a cornea for this child.
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The South Dakota Lions Eye Bank had Erik’s corneas available and sent one to LifeShare. On November 29, 2000, three surgeons were on hand to assist in the surgery. A window was cut in the sclera to make room for the cornea, and then the cornea was attached to the lens. LifeShare made a follow-up call in June of 2000, and, according to the child’s caretakers and doctors, it is believed that he can see. He is reaching for things and turns his head when others speak to him. Currently, he is on the waiting list for a second cornea for his other eye.
Because of people like Bob and Melanie Schmidt, many people’s lives are changed. Cornea recipients have told us that regaining their sight was the most precious gift they could possibly receive. Bob and Melanie’s gift gave a baby in North Carolina a chance at life that he otherwise may not have had.
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