HomePress RoomAspirus Rhinelander Hospital Honored with 2025 Crystal Vision Award

Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital Honored with 2025 Crystal Vision Award

  • Published: 10/21/2025

RHINELANDER, Wis. – Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital has been recognized with the 2025 Crystal Vision Award by the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW). The prestigious award celebrates individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing eye, organ, and tissue donation.
 
Since 2007, the Crystal Vision Awards have honored champions who go above and beyond to bring hope and healing through the gift of sight. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital joins a distinguished group of statewide recipients, including hospitals, surgeons, funeral homes, and community leaders.
 
“Because of your dedication, compassion, and service, lives have been transformed,” said Michael Katz, Development Specialist, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. “Behind every number is a story — a person who can now see their loved ones again, a student who can continue their education, a grandparent who can watch a grandchild grow. Your impact reaches further than you may ever know.”
 
This recognition reflects the dedication of Aspirus Rhinelander caregivers, transplant coordinators, and partners who support donation and transplantation services.
 
“Receiving the Crystal Vision Award is a profound honor for our team,” said Robert Towne, BSN, RN, Manager of the Emergency Department at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. “It reflects the compassion and dedication our caregivers bring to every patient interaction, especially in moments that involve the gift of life and sight. We’re deeply committed to supporting donor families and ensuring their loved ones’ legacies live on through others.”
 
LEBW reports that in 2024, it supported 1,207 donor heroes, provided 1,712 tissues for transplant, and restored sight for 882 people in more than 40 countries. In 2024, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital had 29 referrals and 11 were medically suitable to donate. 
 
For more information about the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, visit www.LEBW.org. To learn more about Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, please visit aspirus.org.