Broken Arrow Woman Sees 'Whole New World' After Transplant Restores Sight

April is National Donate Life Month and a woman from Broken Arrow is telling her story of how an organ donation changed her life.

Jillian Sulley says back in 2002, she couldn't see from her left eye while she was driving. Thanks to a donor, her sight was restored, and she hasn't taken it for granted since.

"Somebody that I didn't even know was giving me hope to be able to see again, and that was an incredibly impactful and emotional moment," Sulley said.

Sulley was back on her way to college when she noticed that all of a sudden, the only thing she could see out of her left eye was a white haze.

After getting checked by an eye doctor, she was diagnosed with several corneal diseases and was immediately put on a waiting list.

Two months later, she got her new eye.

It took some getting used to, but she says she knew she received a precious gift and a second chance.

"It was like a whole new world had opened up to me," Sulley said. "I saw detail in ways that I had never seen detail before. I saw colors more vibrantly. Everything was clearer."

According to Lifeshare of Oklahoma, there are 650 Oklahomans who are currently on the organ donation waiting list.

They also say last year over 500 lives were saved through organ donations they coordinated.

Katy Smith with Lifeshare says Oklahoma has a high rate of donors, which she thinks is a reflection of just how generous Oklahomans are.

"I like to attribute that to the kindness of Oklahoma....kind of the Oklahoma standard," Smith said. "Oklahomans are more giving and more supportive."

Sulley now volunteers with Lifeshare, encouraging other Oklahomans to be organ donors.

She says one donor can save numerous lives and be the hero like Sulley says her donor as to her.

"You give a gift of yourself that will live on and will let hope rise in others," Sulley said.

Sulley said last year she had to get another transplant on her right eye but says she is fine and is once again grateful that there was another donor.

Related Story: Broken Arrow Woman Regains Sight Thanks To Organ Donor