BY ANGELA PICKNEY HALL

In college, I noticed my vision fading while I was playing basketball. What started as a slight blur quickly became more pronounced, and I knew something was wrong. I went to the doctor, thinking it would be something minor, but I left with a diagnosis that would change my life: I needed corneal transplants to correct my eyesight.

It was a rude awakening; my life changed completely that day. As a college student, the thought of losing my vision was overwhelming, and I was afraid of what the future held.

I was able to receive transplants to restore my vision and my dreams. Thanks to a generous corneal donor, my future is bright, and I’m now the head girls’ basketball coach for Cross High School, helping young athletes pursue their passions, just as I was able to pursue mine.

My story isn’t just about my journey. It’s about the incredible impact organ and tissue donation can have on so many people’s lives. August is National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, and it’s an important time to address the myths and misconceptions surrounding donation, especially in our multicultural communities.

I know there are many reasons people are hesitant to become donors, and the idea may seem daunting. I want to speak directly to those of you who might be unsure: The gift of sight, and the gift of life, is something that can make an unimaginable difference in someone’s world.

It’s crucial to share the truth about donation and further educate our communities on the impact of the gift. Many are aware that lives can be saved through organ donation, but there is a low level of awareness surrounding corneal transplants like the ones I received. Cornea donation is just as vital as it can improve quality of life and restore someone’s sight. The ability to see clearly again, to regain what was lost, is something I will never take for granted. I encourage everyone, especially those in multicultural communities, to consider becoming a registered donor.

As we observe National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, let’s work together to dispel common misconceptions and educate ourselves on the facts and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. The gift of sight is something I’ll cherish forever, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others see the incredible impact that donation can have.

Your choice to become a donor could be the one that gives someone else the chance to see the world again. Make the selfless decision, and register to become a donor at sharinghopesc.org.

Angela Pickney Hall is a corneal recipient and the head girls’ basketball coach at Cross High School.

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