For Dr. Michael Edelstein, nothing was more important in life than family and work. He was board certified in internal medicine, psychiatry, and geriatrics and practiced at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, Md. He was also a lover of animals and Southern gospel music. While driving to work on February 27, 2012, Michael was stricken by a fatal heart attack at age 66. As a physician, he knew the importance of organ donation. "Michael Victor Edelstein, M.D. lived all of his life doing good work, caring for others and helping the less fortunate," said his wife Elaine. "It is befitting that his spirit continues to heal others through his gift of cornea donation to two recipients."

Dr. Edelstein's Story

Dr. Michael Victor Edelstein built his life on two pillars: his family and his work. He was a devoted husband, stepfather, gifted physician, and mentor to others. At age 66, Dr. Edelstein was triple board certified in internal medicine, psychiatry, and geriatrics and practiced at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD. He was a car collector and enthusiast, an animal lover and advocate, a southern gospel music fan and promoter, and a great humanitarian beyond measure.

While driving to work on February 27, 2012, Michael was stricken by a heart attack which took his life at the age of 66. His sudden death was a devastating loss for his family, friends and colleagues, as Michael was a kind, caring, compassionate, dedicated, generous, funny, loyal, endearing, intelligent, and wise man.

As a physician, Dr. Edelstein knew the importance of organ donation and how it could provide life-saving chances for others. According to his wife Elaine, "Michael Victor Edelstein, M.D. lived all of his life doing good work, caring for others and helping the less fortunate. It is befitting that his spirit continues to heal others through his gift of cornea donation to two recipients."

Knowing Michael lives on in others gives his family great solace and consolation. "Michael would not want special recognition for donating his corneas because he simply believed helping others was the right thing to do," Elaine noted. "His deep-seated belief in helping others was always evidenced in the care and concern he took for patients and others in his life.

"He simply was a great man and I believe he is able to see into the world through the eyes of those who share his corneas."