The Lauren Reynold’s Story

Can you imagine how you would feel if you knew your daughter or son even while sitting in the front row of a classroom,  could not see the teachers notes on the blackboard ?  Every day was a struggle.

Fast Forward two years…..

Now, can you imagine the tug at your heart, when she came home months later, and told you she felt normal now, that she was now like the other kids, sitting in the middle of the class and able to see that blackboard.

Well that’s a true part of Lauren Reynold’s story, one she shared with The Saratoga Springs Lions Club at a weekly luncheon.   Lauren along with her mom (Donna) and dad (Peter), were guests of the Saratoga Lions.

In a brief but heartfelt and emotional thank you, Lauren told the group of Lions how surgery and her new special lenses changed her life.  Wow !  It was truly a special moment.

(I remember thinking, I wish I had my video camera to record how touched this young lady was by the effort put forth to help her- how touched most present in the room were to hear her story)

Yes there were tears !

Here’s a few more details on Lauren’s Story.

Lauren is a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and now a full time , 20 year old student at SUNY Albany.  Two years ago, she was diagnosed with congenital cataracts of both eyes.    She was also diagnosed with a corneal ulcer and viral infection of both eyes.   Blindness was a possibility if she didn’t get help.

To prevent further sight issues and possible blindness, surgery was needed.  The surgery was covered by insurance but the special lenses to help Lauren were not.  The Renold’s family needed $6000 dollars to help their daughter see. Needless to say not too many families have an extra 6 grand in emergency funds.

Enter Saratoga Springs Lion, Tom Boghosian.

Tom found out about Lauren’s dire situation from a work relationship.  He immediately talked with Lauran’s dad Peter, and put the family in touch with The Lions Eye Institute at Albany, president, John McDonald, with the hopes of a grant.

Unfortunately,  The Lions Eye Institute was not a viable option as their doctors group has to be directly involved in patients care,  for that patient to be consider for special grants or funding.

Enter Saratoga Springs Lion John McDonald & The Saratoga Springs Lions Club.

John would not let that that be the end.   He brought the Renold’s plight  to the attention of  the Saratoga Lions Club board of directors and after hearing the story, the club immediately agreed to fund $3000  or half of Lauren’s lenses.  The story doesn’t end here.

Enter other area Lion’s clubs.

McDonald  wasn’t done yet.  He took the initiative to make other area Lions clubs aware of the Renold’s story . All clubs contacted by John agreed to help.  Kuddos to the Ballston Spa, Greenfield, Broadalbin-Perth, Galway, Hadley-Luzerne and Glens Falls Lion’s clubs.

The entire $6000 was funded by Lions Clubs and The Renold’s family is very grateful for an organization who’s mission is giving sight and preventing blindness.

A concluding thought

Sometimes, people who volunteer their time, provide financial or other support  for non-profits,  get so wrapped up in the many activities of their organization, that they forget the WHY.  Why they serve others.  Why they do what they do.

Additionally, often times volunteers don’t see the end result of their hard work and volunteerism.

Hearing directly from a young lady and her grateful family, that your efforts changed their lives, sure does add a special meaning and connection to our mission as Lions.    It’s such a nice feeling that can make your day, week or year.

Until next time.

LBG