Grateful WVU Eye Institute patient gives back by creating endowment
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A West Virginia University Eye Institute patient whose vision impairment was corrected is now giving back to help save the sight of others. Catherine “Kitty” Reeves of Westernport, Md., is joining hundreds of other donors in supporting WVU’s “A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University” by endowing a fund to benefit the Eye Institute.
In 2006, the now retired administrative law judge was taken to the emergency room when she suddenly developed double vision while driving. Reeves visited a string of doctors, but none had an explanation for the condition. Her vision continued to deteriorate. Eventually, she was referred to the WVU Eye Institute and Judie Charlton, M.D. After two surgeries, Reeves’ vision and life returned to normal.
Shortly after her recent visit to the Eye Institute for a comprehensive eye exam with Charlie Moore, M.D., she welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Campaign by endowing the “Opportunity Fund.”
“From my initial appointment with Dr. Charlton, I have been impressed with the professionalism and humanity of the healthcare personnel at the Eye Institute. They truly serve the people of West Virginia and beyond,” Reeves said.
“Thanks to Kitty’s generosity, her gift will help to advance the mission of the Eye Institute,” Dr. Moore said. “This endowment will be used to pioneer new types of vision care, encourage innovation in patient care and research and generate sustainable support for charity care.”
Each year, the WVU Eye Institute cares for more than 30,000 patients from all 55 counties in West Virginia and surrounding states at its Morgantown facility and various outreach clinics around the state. The Eye Institute’s patient care provides diagnosis, treatment and care for specialized medical and surgical vision conditions and diseases that without attention could sometimes lead to long-term vision loss.
“The benefits of Ms. Reeves’ gift will have a profound positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Lee Wiley, M.D., interim chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, said. “We are honored to have Ms. Reeves support our campaign by investing in the Eye Institute.”
To learn more about the WVU Eye Institute’s Campaign priorities, please contact Susan Trantham, director of development, at 304-598-4843 or tranthams@wvuhealthcare.com.
“A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University” is the largest comprehensive fundraising effort in the history of WVU. The goal is to raise $750 million by Dec. 31, 2015.
In 2006, the now retired administrative law judge was taken to the emergency room when she suddenly developed double vision while driving. Reeves visited a string of doctors, but none had an explanation for the condition. Her vision continued to deteriorate. Eventually, she was referred to the WVU Eye Institute and Judie Charlton, M.D. After two surgeries, Reeves’ vision and life returned to normal.
Shortly after her recent visit to the Eye Institute for a comprehensive eye exam with Charlie Moore, M.D., she welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Campaign by endowing the “Opportunity Fund.”
“From my initial appointment with Dr. Charlton, I have been impressed with the professionalism and humanity of the healthcare personnel at the Eye Institute. They truly serve the people of West Virginia and beyond,” Reeves said.
“Thanks to Kitty’s generosity, her gift will help to advance the mission of the Eye Institute,” Dr. Moore said. “This endowment will be used to pioneer new types of vision care, encourage innovation in patient care and research and generate sustainable support for charity care.”
Each year, the WVU Eye Institute cares for more than 30,000 patients from all 55 counties in West Virginia and surrounding states at its Morgantown facility and various outreach clinics around the state. The Eye Institute’s patient care provides diagnosis, treatment and care for specialized medical and surgical vision conditions and diseases that without attention could sometimes lead to long-term vision loss.
“The benefits of Ms. Reeves’ gift will have a profound positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Lee Wiley, M.D., interim chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, said. “We are honored to have Ms. Reeves support our campaign by investing in the Eye Institute.”
To learn more about the WVU Eye Institute’s Campaign priorities, please contact Susan Trantham, director of development, at 304-598-4843 or tranthams@wvuhealthcare.com.
“A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University” is the largest comprehensive fundraising effort in the history of WVU. The goal is to raise $750 million by Dec. 31, 2015.