LONG BRANCH, NJ – This Thanksgiving, Laurie Williams of Long Branch, NJ, is not just counting her blessings but celebrating the gift of life she received a decade ago through a life-saving heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). Laurie’s journey underscores the impact of organ and tissue donation. She now proudly shares her story as a NJ Sharing Network volunteer to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.
Laurie, a mother of eight with 17 grandchildren, reflects on the significance of family and faith in guiding her through the highs and lows of her health journey.
“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,” said Laurie. “Family is what guided me through. The medical staff worked miracles, and God above directs us all.”
Journey to Transplant
In 2003, Laurie’s connection to organ and tissue donation began when she intended to donate part of her liver for transplant to help save the life of her brother-in-law. At the time, testing revealed Laurie was facing her own serious heart health issues. A year later, Laurie had several episodes where she lost consciousness after feeling chest pain and shortness of breath.
“I simply did not worry about it (health issues) at the time. My husband Dave and I were always busy with work and our kids’ activities and sports, so we just kept on going,” said Laurie.
Unfortunately, Laurie’s condition grew progressively worse. She was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia and received a pacemaker defibrillator. According to Laurie, her health took a positive turn for about three years after she and Dave took a spiritually uplifting vacation to Lourdes in France.
However, in 2012, Laurie’s health concerns became critical, leading to congestive heart failure. Despite initial resistance to a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), Laurie used it as a bridge to transplant for ten months. She maintained a positive outlook for her family by incorporating the LVAD into her daily life and placing it into a colorfully designed backpack.
In November 2012, Laurie received ‘the call’ from NBI that a heart was available for her transplant.
“I remember a powerful feeling of peace came over me right at that moment,” said Laurie. “But we all moved quickly to get prepared as we rushed to get to the hospital.”
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 told me ‘don’t stop fighting.’ Thanks to God and their words of encouragement at my bedside, I rebounded, and my heart grew stronger. 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,” said Laurie.
Laurie is also forever grateful for her heart donor, a 39-year-old professional tree-trimmer who tragically lost his life in a work accident. As Laurie celebrates her 10-year transplant milestone, she emphasizes the crucial role of NJ Sharing Network in her journey.
“NJ Sharing Network was always there to support me and my donor family. I will never forget that, and I will do everything I can to support their life-saving mission and encourage people to register as organ and tissue donors to help save more lives.”
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. In 2022, the number of organ donors and organs transplanted in a single year reached all-time highs. This marked the fourth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new records, underscoring the clear trend of increased support for organ donation.
To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit http://www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Laurie and Dave Williams (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
Laurie Willaims surrounded by her family and loved ones as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)