Long Branch Woman Remembers Her Heart Donor This Thanksgiving

LONG BRANCH, NJ — This Thanksgiving, Laurie Williams of Long Branch will thank the man who gave her his heart, after he died in a tragic workplace accident 10 years ago this November.

Williams is a mother of eight with 17 grandchildren.

Nearly 20 years ago, she started having episodes where she lost consciousness after feeling chest pain and shortness of breath. Her condition grew progressively worse, and she was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia and received a pacemaker defibrillator. She would later be diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

It was in November 2012 that she received "the call" from Newark Beth Israel that a heart was available for transplant.

Her heart donor was a 39-year-old professional tree-trimmer who tragically lost his life in a work accident.

Every day she is thankful to him, but particularly in this season of thanksgiving.

“I am overwhelmed by the many blessings that I have received. To honor my heart donor, I am trying to be the best person that I can be and live this life to its fullest without fear or limitations,” she said.

Following Laurie’s seven-hour transplant surgery, she recalls seeing her family in the room around her bed.

“I could not speak or move, but my mind and spirit were completely there. Dave (her husband) told me ‘don’t stop fighting.’ Thanks to God and their words of encouragement at my bedside, I rebounded, and my heart grew stronger," she said. “Family is what guided me through. The medical staff worked miracles, and God above directs us all. Just 24 hours later, my breathing tube was removed, and I could begin my path to recovery as I made it home just in time for Thanksgiving."

She said she is sharing her story this Thanksgiving to encourage tissue and organ donation in New Jersey.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing, there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.