Kristin was a beautiful baby with big brown eyes but she was born with very poor vision. The doctors told her parents that without correction she would be legally blind. In 1967 her only option was to wear very thick glasses. She wore her first pair of glasses at the age of nine months and continued to wear them until she was able to get contact lenses at age 12. Because of the thick glasses, Kristin learned to live with teasing. Instead of having a negative impact, the teasing caused Kristin to develop a keen sensitivity to the needs of others and a desire to extend kindness and generosity to everyone she knew. She also learned to not take herself too seriously and laughed easily and often – even if it was at herself.
Kristin was an active, happy child who excelled academically, sang in numerous choirs, attended Interlochen International Music Camp for several summers and performed in school productions with a flair for comedy. She graduated from Stetson University and became a teacher – delighting her students with her dramatic presentations and zany costumes. In her last few years, she found great joy teaching her special needs students.
Outside of the classroom, Kristin was active in the Orlando community, traveled extensively, valued her time with her family and friends and just enjoyed life. She was positive, gracious, giving and was filled with love and compassion for everyone. Upon her sudden death at the age of 48, Kristin was able to donate her corneas, lungs, kidneys, heart and liver to those in need. The most amazing gift of all is that the very eyes that failed Kristin were the eyes that gave sight to two recipients.
Kristin will be forever missed but her gifts have brought hope and life to many. Her spirit will live forever for all who knew her.
Courtesy of KeraLink International Southeast
