On April 14, 2025, Advancing Sight Network (ASN) proudly dedicated a new donor memorial—the Patrick Braden Higgins Eye Donor Memorial, an enduring tribute to those who have given the gift of sight through donation. Patrick Higgins’ story of generosity continues to inspire and create a positive impact on the world.
Patrick, a cornea donor, passed away on April 26, 2021. In the days that followed, his tissue was used for transplant, giving two individuals restored sight. His mother, Kristin Beauchamp, transformed her personal loss into powerful purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for donation and the mission of Advancing Sight Network. Kristin regularly speaks at events and attends functions to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of donation. Her efforts have helped inspire others to consider donation as a way to give the gift of life, just like Patrick did.
In 2024, Kristin was honored by her employer, Lockton, with their prestigious Community Impact Award, which recognizes employees making a difference beyond the workplace. The award included a $25,000 grant for the nonprofit of the recipient’s choice. Kristin chose Advancing Sight Network. Read more about Kristin’s award here: https://bit.ly/3RSOlDz.
Thanks to Kristin’s gift, ASN has been able to take meaningful steps forward. The funding enabled the purchase of a new cell incubator for the Precision Ocular Biobank at Advancing Sight Network, expanding the capacity to advance sight-saving research through cellular therapies. It also supported the creation and installation of the Patrick Braden Higgins Eye Donor Memorial, unveiled at a meaningful event attended by ASN and Lockton staff members, Patrick’s family, and members of the transplant and donation community. Watch a video of the eye donor memorial dedication here: https://bit.ly/42LfyOQ.
Additionally, the award helped sponsor a meaningful new tradition—Advancing Sight Network’s inaugural Sight & Soul Art Gala. Held in the fall of 2024, the event brought together artists, advocates, and donor families to celebrate the connection between vision, creativity, and community. Through powerful works of art and shared stories, the gala honored the legacy of donation while raising awareness about the urgent need for more research to develop better treatments—and ultimately, cures—for blinding eye diseases. Kristin’s sponsorship helped make the event possible, and ASN looks forward to hosting the next Sight & Soul Art Gala in the spring of 2026, continuing this unique and inspiring initiative. Kristin’s decision to direct the Lockton Community Impact Award toward ASN speaks volumes about her commitment to keeping Patrick’s legacy alive. In doing so, she has touched the lives of countless others—donors, recipients, and their families—and set in motion a legacy of healing, remembrance, and hope.