Transplant of AJ's cornea a success

source: abs-cbn

MANILA, Philippines – The corneal transplant of Lawrence Villanueva was a success.

Villanueva, 28, is a recipient of one of the corneas of teen actor AJ Perez, who died in a vehicular accident last April 17.

The corneal transplant was done on Holy Thursday. Villanueva's doctor, Edward Uy, said his patient is now resting.

Villanueva's vision started getting worse 3 years ago. Prior to the operation, he expressed gratitude for the donated corneas.

“God really works in different ways talaga,” Villanueva said. “Kahit na anong donor pa iyan, kidney or heart, it’s their legacy eh. It’s part of them also."

The other recipient of AJ's cornea is an 8-year old boy.

The parents of AJ will meet the recipients of their son’s corneas after their operations.

According to them, AJ may not be physically present anymore but a part of his life has continued to help and change the lives of other people.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Dr. Menguita Padilla, president of Sta. Lucia Eye Bank, said she admires the decision of the Perez family to donate AJ’s corneas.

“Humahanga ako sa mga tao na, imagine, nagdadalamhati ka, naghihinagpis ka, namatay ang anak mo pero naisip mo pa na mag-donate,” she said.

Padilla explained that the recipients of donated corneas are on a “first-come first-serve” basis.

Jay Ilagan, Miko Sotto, Cesar Montano’s son Angelo and Toni Rose Gaida’s son Edward James are among the famous personalities who passed away and donated their corneas to the Eye Bank.

source: abs-cbn