Growing up, people always told Heather Fox she had her father’s eyes. Now, she’s grateful that someone else has them, too.

Heather’s father, Charlie, never met a stranger. He lived generously, finding happiness and friends everywhere he went.

“My dad was my best friend, just this magical person,” she said. “He had such an amazing zest for life. It’s such a gift that someone else can see the joy of life through his eyes now.”

Charlie’s generous spirit extended to eye, organ and tissue donation. He always told his family he wanted to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and encouraged them to join the registry, but when he was diagnosed with prostate and pancreatic cancer, he worried that his illness and chemotherapy would prevent him from fulfilling his wish.

Charlie Fox died on March 6, 2014, more than two years after his doctors said he only had months to live. When her family received the call from Eversight Ohio telling them Charlie could be a cornea donor, Heather said there were no words for the relief they felt.

“It was so fantastic that during our time of sadness and despair, we got this phone call and we got to see joy,” Heather said. “The legacy of my father could continue to live on, and someone else would get the beautiful gift of his sight.”

Since her father’s passing, Heather and her family – all registered organ donors – have worked to spread the word to other cancer patients and their families that cornea donation is still an option.

“I want everyone to know that no matter what the situation is, there is an opportunity to continue on and give life,” she said.