Stride for Sight event honors those who gave the last gift of sight

SAN ANTONIO. Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday to raise money and talk about the gift of sight and healthy vision.

The 10th annual Stride for Sight 5k took place at Comanche County Park on the Southwest Side. The run/walk was organized by the Lions Sight Research Foundation and the San Antonio Eye Bank.

The Lions Sight Research Foundation is involved in various projects that support people with visual impairments and promote vision care, and the San Antonio Eye Bank helps with corneal donation and corneal transplantation. The two organizations form “Partners in Vision” and encourage everyone to register as corneal and organ donors.

Many types of visual impairment can be restored with a cornea transplant. The procedure and other eye surgeries and research become possible when someone donates the precious gift of sight.

A unique feature of this event was a ceremony to commemorate local cornea and eye donors who made their last gift. There was also a table with photos of donors, as well as commemorative blankets with photos and memories. The event also connects donor families with those who have received corneal transplantation and vision support services.

The event also included a mariachi concert, a zumba workout, breakfast tacos, a kids run and of course a big event on the 5km track for runners and walkers. The track was a scenic and challenging track along Salado Creek’s greenbelt.

Lexi Hazlett of KENS 5 supported the cause and even earned a medal for the best finisher in her race time! Congratulations Lexi!