Thomas Hernandez, Cornea Recipient

The teen years for 33-year-old Thomas Hernandez, of Stockton, were particularly trying. When he was 13, he was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a degenerative disorder which causes the cornea to change shape. “My vision was 20/400. I couldn’t read well, and started having learning disabilities and horrible headaches.” But, in his late twenties, Thomas, had life-changing cornea transplants. “I feel so grateful. I’m now a donor, too. Whenever my life ends, whatever they can use – perfect. For my family and me, my donors were true heroes. I want to do the same for someone else.”