Lions being Lions

Rick Johnson, who recently received aid from the Lions Club organization for eye surgery, met several Lions Club members during a visit to St. Louis for the required medical treatment. From left, Dick Baker, South Side Lions; Connie Hampton, President Malden Lions Club; Russ Wiley, past president Malden Lions Club; Bobby Beetz, past president South Side Lions; Rudy Johnson, President South Side Lions.

Photo provided

Local Lions Club organizations have recently been aiding Rick Johnson, of Clarkton, with finances to receive laser retina surgery on a torn retina, in order to save his eye sight.

In May, Johnson noted that he made a visit to optometrist Dr. Thomas Miller, over trouble with his eye sight. As a result of the appointment, Miller diagnosed Johnson with a torn retina and informed him of the need for surgery. The problem with the surgery Johnson informed, was that he was not insured and could not finance the extra funds to pay for the surgery. Miller, being an active member of the Kennett Lions Club, was aware of assistance available to Johnson through the organization, according to Johnson. The Mid South Lions could have assisted Johnson, but the surgery would not be scheduled for three months and time was of the essence. Miller contacted Tina Roberts, of the Malden Lions Club, for assistance.

On May 13, Dick Baker, member of the South Side Lions Club of St. Louis, was a guest speaker at the Malden Lions Club, Johnson explained. He added that during the meeting Roberts informed the Malden Lions Club of his situation. Connie Hampton, president of the Malden Lions Club, and Baker discussed the problem. Baker was almost certain that a medical facility in St. Louis would be able to schedule the surgery sooner, according to Johnson. He added that Baker contacted a friend, First Vice President of the South Side Lions Club Rudy Johnson, knowing that he was an anesthetist and knowledgeable with this type of surgery. Rudy Johnson informed Baker that his medical affiliation did not perform the type of surgery but that "something could be done." Rudy Johnson contacted the President of the South Side Lions, Bobby Beetz, according to Johnson. Beetz agreed that "something would be done for Rick Johnson." Johnson noted that Beetz contacted a medical facility, arranged for the appointment, and informed the members of the South Side Lions of his financial problem. The club voted unanimously to donate $1,000 for the surgery for Johnson.

Johnson noted that he had an appointment scheduled on Wednesday, June 24, with Dr. Olk and Dr. Peralta at the Retina Center of the St. Louis County. He added that Hampton and Russ Wiley volunteered to drive him and his wife, Pat, to St. Louis for the appointment.

The South Side Lions hosted its Annual Charity Gold Tournament at the Grand Marais Golf Course on the same day, according to Johnson, adding that he and his wife, along with Wiley and Hampton, were invited to join them for lunch at the tournament before the appointment. The South Side Lions were glad to personally meet Johnson and wished him well with the surgery.

Since the first surgery, Johnson has become informed that another surgery will be needed, according to Hampton. She added that the district coordinator of the Lions Club had been contacted about funds for the second visit.

Hampton noted that a lot of people do not realize the Lions Club's goals and actions.

"Because people donate to us we are able to do these things," Hampton said.

Donations to the Lions Club can be made by contacting (573) 276-4642.