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Prairie du Chien, WI - Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien was recently awarded a 2019 Crystal Vision Award from Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW). Since 2007, LEBW has honored advocates of donation who have shown commitment and dedication to raising awareness and educating communities on the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Nick Waite, Development Specialist for LEBW presented the award to Crossing Rivers Health. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Crossing Rivers Health for most of my career. Their kindness and ability to overcome personal tragedy reminds us every day that healing is possible. In 2018, seven donors provided sight to an estimated 14 recipients.”

In 2018, LEBW served more than 1,000 donors and families, and placed more than 1,500 corneas with corneal surgeons in Wisconsin, throughout the United States and around the globe. LEBW’s purpose is to support donors and their families during their time of loss and facilitate the recovery of corneas for transplant, to restore sight to the visually impaired.

“It is such a tremendous honor to have received the prestigious Crystal Vision Award,” said Jenny Pritchett, Chief Nursing Officer at Crossing Rivers Health. “For decades, Crossing Rivers Health has made a commitment to promote organ, tissue, and eye donation as well as support the donor’s loved ones during the difficult times of loss.” Pritchett added, “Being a part of the process in giving the gift of life and restoring sight to the visually impaired is strongly tied to our mission and we are dedicated to continuing to support organ donation.”

Currently, there are over 2,000 people that are on the waiting list for an organ transplant in Wisconsin and almost 115,000 people domestically. The impact of one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight for two people and save and heal more than 75 lives through tissue donation. For more information about organ, eye and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.lebw.org.