Cole Diepersloot
Cole was born March 21, 1998 with a dermoid cyst on his cornea. As baby Cole developed, the cyst grew and caused a stigmatism and a great deal of irritation. Several physicians examined the eye and suggested removal of the cyst. With the removal came the possibility of a corneal transplant. On December 18, 1998, at age nine months, Cole underwent surgery and a cornea transplant. “It was the best Christmas present any of us could ever have!” exclaims his mom, Carrie. “We were upset that another family would lose a loved one. The donation was such a selfless thing – and a wonderful way to help so many people. We wrote a letter of thanks. Cole is very aware of the wonderful gift he received from our donor. We are forever grateful to everyone involved in this gift of sight!”
Today, Cole’s health and his vision are almost perfect. “We wanted our child to have perfect vision. Hopefully more and more people will be aware so that donor-recipient matches can be found.” Cole loves his mom and dad and LOVES to read, plays baseball and football. He loves to fish, enjoys the animals on their farm in central Florida and is very interested in science & nature.
Story provided by our partner in tissue donation – Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research. For more information about cornea transplants, visit their website.
Read more of the stories of some individuals who have been touched by donation.
Christa Chappel | Dale Hiedeman | Georgia Poplawski | Paula Ryder | Cole Diepersloot
