Wanda Stookey: Cornea Donor

I lost my sister Wanda to pancreatic cancer February 21, 2010, after a year long battle. She was 75. We were very close, although she lived in Washington State and I in California. I miss those many phone visits we had several times a week.

I was blessed to be with her the final weeks of her life as she lay in the hospital surrounded by many friends and relatives. Her body was wasted and weak, but her faith and love were strong. There was always someone with her, even during the night, and I'm thankful for that. The caring staff and doctor at the hospital couldn't have been more kind and helpful. I felt there were angels in that room.

She passed at 8:55pm as I held her hand. She just turned her head to the side and let go of life. I swear I saw a subtle change of her color, as though heaven's glow told me she would be all right. Then they took me to the office to sign the donor papers, and she was able to give one last gift. I had thought that after the chemotherapy and illness there wouldn't be much she could donate, but I'm glad she was able to help someone. I know that was what she would have wanted.

– Janet Simon