Lions World Vision Institute proudly raised the Donate Life Flag at our Tampa headquarters as part of National Donate Life Month — a tradition that connects us to our mission: So The World Can See.
Each year, we invite a donor family or recipient to share their story, honoring the lives touched by the gift of donation. This year, we were deeply moved by an extraordinary and rare story shared by Dr. Herbert Knauf, one of our own corneal surgeons.
Dr. Knauf honored his late wife, Jodi, who passed away in April 2015 and selflessly became a cornea donor. Dr. Knauf personally called LWVI to begin the donation process — and, in a moment of profound connection, later transplanted Jodi’s corneas into two of his own patients, restoring their sight and carrying on her legacy of giving. It is a story of love, healing, and purpose unlike any we’ve known.
He was joined by his daughter, Rachel, a physician assistant at their clinic, who also devotes her life to restoring vision both here in Tampa Bay and on mission trips to Central America alongside her father. Together, they are transforming lives through sight — every single day.
Our heartfelt thanks to Jason K. Woody, LWVI President & CEO, for his powerful remarks this morning and to Dr. Knauf for his vulnerability and unwavering commitment to the mission of donation. We appreciate that James Rosa , LWVI Regional Program Manager, organizes our annual flag raising every year and brings such powerful stories to make this celebration.
Thank you to all our incredible staff for standing together in purpose, and for your daily commitment to the work we do at LWVI.
This flag flies in honor of every donor, every recipient, and every miracle made possible through your hands.