NE PA LIONES EYE BANK

Thanks to the 47 Lions, Lioness, family and friends that participated in the bus trip to Bethlehem on December 11. All were on time throughout the day which kept us on schedule for our many events. We departed Harrisburg around 8:45AM for the Eye Bank. When we arrived they were ready for us. We were divided into several groups for smaller tours. Every nook and cranny was explored in the 3 story 15,000 square foot facility. Questions were answered, a history of the Eye Bank explained, visual of the corneas arriving, the testing completed, and finally methods of shipping out were discussed. Staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and appreciative of our support. Tid bits of information we learned that day: the Eye Bank began in 1957 in the basement of a LION. It has been in various locations until moving to present address May 2009. The Eye Bank serves 9 Districts, 32 counties. It is open 24 hours a day/365 days a year. 56% of PA transplants come from this Eye Bank. They begin by supplying local hospitals within their service area, continue to other Eye Bank needs within the US and finally to needs outside of the US. Tissue is also used for research and training. Their belief is that no tissue is wasted. Last year 2100 individuals regained threir sight through a transplabt from this facility. Thanks to your generosity, we presented a check to the Executive director from 14-T (funds from District Projects). After a delicious lunch, we boarded the bus and headed to the Sands Casino for the afternoon. Most people came away a winner, even if it were a few bucks. We then picked up our tour guide who directed us through the city, admiring the beautiful lights and learning the history of the town. it was a long, fun filled, information learning, day. Thank you again for helping me to accomplish the goal of visiting the NE PA Eye Bank.