Page 8 - Lions Gift of Sight Today

Donor Spotlight: Steve Magnuson
Steve was devoted to his wife (and best friend), Monica, his two children, Logan and Miranda, and his yellow Labrador, Lucy. He was a proud, self-proclaimed “super geek” who enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons, collecting sword replicas, and playing softball on his church team, “The Lost Souls.” His sense of humor and contagious laugh are two things that family and friends especially remember.
Steve had a special love for the Minnesota Twins and baseball. He was a dedicated fan and took any opportunity to attend games. He went to the opening game at the new Target Field and loved every minute. Steve knew the players, the
game, and the history. Whenever visiting Florida,
Steve and his daughter, Miranda, doing community clean up
one stop was usually to the Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, the spring training home of the Twins. He adored outdoor baseball and passed on his love
of the sport and the Minnesota twins to both of his children.
Until his untimely death from cancer, Steve took good care of the people in his life. Helping others through donation was in keeping with his generous spirit, and two corneal recipients owe their restored sight to Steve’s donation.
Steve with his sister, Jodi, a 14-year veteran of Lions Gift of Sight
Recipient Spotlight: Jason Finley
Diagnosed with a rapidly-advancing and aggressive case of keratoconus in both eyes, Jason’s life was presented with obstacles he hadn’t expected to face in his twenties. A degenerative eye condition that leaves corneas misshapen and scarred, untreated keratoconus ends in blindness. Period.
Fortunately, corneal transplants are the solution, and Jason received new corneas through the generosity of eye donors. Says Jason, “I am grateful to the entire Lions Gift of Sight organization for providing the highest quality of preserved tissue, enabling my physicians to restore my vision to a manageable state.” Jason’s two successful transplants have now lasted for nearly 10 years.
Jason is a six-year member of the Minnesota Army National Guard, Specialist in Security and Network Communications. A life of service is also expressed through membership in the Minneapolis Ambassadors Lions Club and through volunteering for Lions Gift of Sight. “Every time I volunteer to share my story, I am moved by the experience, capturing the heart and beauty of sight. Sharing my story has afforded me a platform to encourage others to consider being a donor, while respecting and honoring those individuals and families who have donated the gift of sight.”
8 Lions Gift of Sight