Pauline spent years working as a hairdresser before moving to an accounting office to try something new. That’s when she noticed her eyesight beginning to fail. As her vision worsened, her world narrowed. “It was heartbreaking,” she recalls. “I was still young. I stopped driving and had to quit work.”
Eventually, Pauline was diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy—a condition that caused fluid to build behind her corneas, clouding her vision for hours at a time. Though she never lost her sight completely, the disease robbed her of independence and confidence.
When Pauline learned that cornea transplants could restore her vision, she was nervous yet hopeful. After waiting nine months, she received her first transplant in January 2025. Six months later came her second—marking the start of a new chapter, thanks to the generosity of tissue donors.
Today, Pauline is ecstatic to have her life back. “Now I can even see the dust and cobwebs in the corner—I wonder how long they’ve been there,” she jokes. Beneath the humour is deep gratitude: “I’m so thankful and blessed.”
“The most meaningful part is reclaiming my independence,” Pauline shared. “I can admire the beauty of nature, see my grandchildren and family, and enjoy the freedom to walk around the block—or drive if I want to!”
Though she was already a registered donor, Pauline admits she didn’t fully understand the impact of tissue donation until it touched her life. “When I found out that tissue donation can enhance the lives of up to 75 people, that was mind-blowing.”
Her message is clear: “Don’t even hesitate to become a donor. Once we’re done with our bodies on this earth, they’re no good to us. Take into consideration the lives you can save and help improve.”
Today, Pauline is using her voice—and her vision—to help others see the power of donation. Join Pauline and thousands of others in making a difference. Register as an organ and tissue donor today at beadonor.ca.