Sharing her
Story
Tiara Henderson knew for years that she one day would need a cornea transplant . That day came earlier than expected , however , when a car accident caused the inner lining of her cornea to rupture , leaving her without sight in her right eye .
Henderson didn ’ t expect to have the surgery so soon , and she also never expected to share the experience with a large group of strangers . The story of Henderson ’ s long battle with keratoconus , her transplant surgery , and life with restored vision is the subject of a video that will be presented at the Transplant Games of America , to be held June 10-15 in Cleveland .
Henderson ’ s surgeon , Dr . Jeffrey Goshe of the Cleveland Clinic and Medical Director at Eversight Ohio , recommended his patient as the subject of the inspirational video . Her story , he said , shows how donation and transplantation can change a young person ’ s life .
“ Transplantation isn ’ t always about saving someone ’ s sight ,” Dr . Goshe said . “ It also is about improving someone ’ s life .”
Henderson , a 26-year-old wife and mother , has severe keratoconus in both eyes . The condition causes the cornea to become cone shaped , resulting in blurred , distorted vision . Before her accident , Henderson managed her condition with contact lenses . She was able to work , care for her children and lead an active life . But after losing the use of her right eye , driving became impossible , and working and caring for her family was difficult .
“ My life revolves around my work and my kids ,” she said .
Her surgery , performed on April 11 , not only restored her sight , it allowed her to resume her busy life .
Henderson ’ s transplant story will be part of a large multi-media production at the opening and closing ceremonies .
“ It ’ s basically an evening of storytelling ,” Producer Sue Brady said of the two-hour events that open and close the games . Through her videos , Brady will tell the stories of four people whose lives were saved or changed through eye , organ and tissue donation .
Because cornea recipients are new to the Transplant Games , Brady said it made sense to include Tiara ’ s story .
“ It ’ s about recognizing what the donor has provided , and how that has made her life better ,” Brady said .
This year , Henderson will participate in the games via video , but next time , she hopes to be among the competitors . Dr . Goshe said he also hopes to attend the games , to remind himself once again of the power of donation and to celebrate the lives that transplantation has touched .
“ The games are a public demonstration that transplantation works .” – Dr . Jeffrey Goshe
Spring 2016 | VISION | Page 4