Cornea Donor – A Trip of A Lifetime
In 2015, our son and brother Braiden Foord flew from Sydney to the USA with six mates on what was to be a three-week “trip of a lifetime.” Within 24 hours of arriving, he suffered a brain aneurysm that resulted in his death. He was 25.
Braiden enjoyed surfing and the ocean, playing soccer, and relaxing with friends. Braiden loved his family, he loved his mates, and he loved life—invariably being the instigator of any prank with his cheeky sense of humor and ready smile. He made us proud every day.
Years ago, my wife and I let our boys know that if anything should happen to us, we would like our organs made available to help others. Braiden said, “I’ll do that too. If I’m gone I won’t be needing them.”
In line with Braiden’s wishes, he donated organs and tissues, including corneas, to the Florida Lions Eye Bank. As a result, the lives of at least three people have been saved, and a young lady received the gift of sight after successful cornea transplant. It gives us solace to know that Braiden’s gifts have contributed to both the longevity and quality of life for so many others.