Cornea Donor – The Legacy of Connor Walsh — Inform. Inspire. Influence.
Connor Walsh loved helping others, and shortly after registering to be an organ and tissue donor, he said, “When I owe the future no more, it’s another way for me to pay it forward.”
At just 23 years old, Connor passed away, but he donated his corneas, heart valves, veins, tissues, ligaments, tendons, and bones, changing the future for dozens of people.
It is particularly comforting to Connor’s parents, Bill and Alice, that he was able to give the gift of sight: Connor’s two cousins suffered from Leber congenital amaurosis, a disease that left them blind at birth.
“Our admiration for Connor’s gifts is insurmountable,” Bill said. “We find comfort knowing that on the worst day of our lives, he was able to give sight to two other people.”
Alice and Bill continued his legacy by starting a scholarship program at his grammar school, and they helped the high school incorporate an eye, organ, and tissue donation seminar into the driver education program.
Connor’s superiors at MetLife Stadium—where he worked as a security officer—wanted to pay tribute too, so Alice and Bill teamed up with Eversight and the NJ Sharing Network to distribute donation wristbands at a concert. Alice had one goal: inform, inspire, influence.
“We’re all born to do great things; how can we make that difference?” Alice said. “Connor believed [we’re] here for a purpose, and the gift he gave is everlasting.”