Heidi Zimmer was a favorite math teacher in her community in Northern California. At 37, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet she still went on to receive her master's degree. Gregarious and funny, she had a "natural ability with kids," said her mother Barbara Zimmer. Heidi lost her battle with breast cancer and died at 39, but she was able to donate the gift of sight to two women in their 30s, one of whom is a teacher. "Giving someone sight is very rewarding," Barbara reinforced. "Donation has been a positive experience for our family."

Heidi's Story

Heidi Zimmer was born in Northern California and never strayed too far away from home. She was gregarious and funny-she loved to drive with her car windows down and radio turned up. She was a favorite math teacher at local middle and high schools and helped to create both student and adult Rotary Clubs. She was later honored at the First Annual Heidi Zimmer Memorial Rotary Foundation Chili Cookoff.

As a math teacher, Heidi saw potential in all of her students. "She was a natural teacher, but she was a hard teacher. She just had a natural ability with kids," said her mother, Barbara Zimmer. As she battled breast cancer, Heidi began receiving cards and notes from her students praising her strength and thanking her for all she gave as their teacher.

She needed her strength when it was time to receive the diploma for her master's degree. In her last months, cancer forced Heidi to use a wheelchair, but she wanted to receive her diploma standing on both feet. "She was able to walk across that stage," Barbara recalled. "It took every ounce of courage she had, you could tell by the look on her face."

Heidi was 39 when she died in July 2013 after fighting cancer for more than two years. Even in passing, Heidi continued to give by donating her corneas, which transformed the lives of two women in their 30's. One recipient is a teacher, which makes the gift even more special to Heidi's 19-year-old son Jay, her sister Lorilee, and her parents.

"It was extremely uplifting to learn a part of her body could be used for donation," said Barbara. "Giving someone sight is very rewarding. Donation has been a positive experience for our family."