In May 2009, 57-year-old Martin Sanchez received his second cornea transplant. His first occurred in August 1993, when the vision in his right eye was 20/400 due to a degenerative eye disease in both eyes. Two years later, his vision was a perfect 20/20. His transplant was the catalyst for career change propelled by his deep sense of gratitude and a desire to return that kind of love to others. “All of this began after my transplant, which restored my vision from a foggy haze to perfect vision in more ways than one. It was the beginning of the opening and softening of my heart.”

Martin's Story

In May 2009, 57-year-old Martin Sanchez received his second cornea transplant. His first occurred in August 1993, when the vision in his right eye was 20/400 due to a degenerative eye disease in both eyes.

At the time of Martin’s first transplant, he was an autoworker, welding together car bodies for Toyota. Due to all the sparks and dirt in the air, he was not allowed to return to work until all the sutures were removed. Two years later, after the removal of all 24 microscopic sutures, his vision was a perfect 20/20.

“And here is where the miracle continues,” said Martin. “With all that extra time on my hands, I started to educate myself on ways to improve my life, body, mind and spirit. The gift of new sight from someone I never met and didn’t know gave me such a deep sense of gratitude. This gratitude led me to return that kind of love to others -- strangers and those who I never realized were in need.”

First, Martin received training to answer phones on a suicide and crisis hotline. After a couple of years, he went on to do volunteer work at a hospice for adults with AIDS and then volunteered at a children’s hospice.

“All of this began after my transplant, which restored my vision from a foggy haze to perfect vision in more ways than one. It was the beginning of the opening and softening of my heart,” Martin continued. “Prior to the transplant, there were several tragedies and traumas in my life that caused me to shut down in some ways and to somewhat harden my heart. When I returned to work two years later, I was a changed person – able to love more easily and help others.

“My second cornea transplant, in 2009, is a continuation of the experience of opening my heart and letting go, being open to life. This entire experience has benefitted my community, my family, friends and my job. All have received as a result of my regaining sight.”