Karen Wiest

Karen Wiest’s first outing after her corneal transplant surgery was to visit the homestead where her mother grew up, which is captured in one of her photos. After 25 years of suffering from keratoconus, which caused hydrops, Karen was forced to walk slowly and oftentimes hold someone’s hand so she wouldn’t fall. This time she was able to see and experience so many things she hadn’t on previous trips: the cracks in the house, the vibrant colors of nature and the history of the homestead. "Three months before my transplant, I was completely blind in one eye. So when the doctor removed my patch the day after the transplant and I was able to see 20/60, I cried. I never thought I would see again," exclaimed Wiest.