2016 Lucy Vazquez

LUCY VAZQUEZ

Cornea and Kidney Recipient

Age 24 ~ Hayward, CA

Customer Service Representative

Honored by sightlife.org

Lucia, a 26-year-old Northern California native, was recovering from a successful kidney transplant when she noticed her vision was starting to deteriorate. She was diagnosed with Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) syndrome, a very rare condition that causes damage to the cornea.  Thankfully, ICE can be treated with a corneal transplant.  Lucia’s sister had lovingly donated her new kidney, but the cornea for Lucia’s transplant would come from someone she did not know who had graciously chosen to make their last act one of generosity. ”My transplant experiences have taught me to appreciate more and love deeper”, Lucia says.  Lucia now lives a full life enjoying her many passions which include: writing, spending time with her family and friends, helping people and animals and enjoying the beauty of the world.

Lucy’s Story

Lucia Vazquez, a 26-year-old Northern California native, was recovering from a successful kidney transplant when she noticed her vision was starting to deteriorate. She was diagnosed with Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) syndrome, a very rare condition that causes damage to the cornea’s endothelium cells, which leads the patient to suffer from progressive loss of vision and episodes of ocular (eye) pain.  Thankfully, ICE can be treated with a corneal transplant.
Her sister had lovingly donated the new kidney, but the cornea for Lucia’s transplant would need to come from someone she did not know who had graciously chosen to make their last act one of generosity.
After Lucia’s transplant, the family of her cornea donor took advantage of Sight Life’s anonymous letter writing program and sent a letter describing their vibrant and loving daughter.  Lucia wrote back immediately, saying, “I am very touched and honored to have received a piece of your daughter who I thank for my new found vision.  My transplant experiences have taught me to appreciate more and love deeper.”
Lucia is pictured above holding her pet rabbit, Dennis, on the mountain where she wrote her letter to her donor family.  She closed it by saying “I am very grateful and thankful for your daughter.  I am also registered as a donor and hope to return the favor to someone in need. Your daughter is an angel and her gift was beautiful. I thank you forever and your daughter’s lovely heart.”
Lucia can now live a full life enjoying her many passions which include writing, spending time with her family and friends, helping people and animals and enjoying the beauty of the world.