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2015 FLORAGRAPH

 ETHAN TROY WILLIAMS

Organ, Tissue and Cornea Donor
Age 39 ~ Virginia Beach, VA
Donated on 6/11/2011
at Sentara Leigh

Sponsored by Bridge to Life in partnership with LifeNet Health


Ethan Troy Williams had a childhood friend who needed a kidney transplant. He expressed his desire then to be a donor and confirmed it later by registering online. Ethan grew up to have a dry sense of humor and a love of arcane information. At 39, he was a student and had worked also a project manager with computer software and hardware. On June 6, 2011, he had a cardiac incident, and his desire to donate became a reality. He saved three people, gave sight to two others, and helped 80 more through tissue donation. "We're so proud of his decision to be a donor," said Julia Williams, Ethan's wife.


Ethan's Story

When Ethan Troy Williams was a boy, he had a childhood friend that was in need of a kidney transplant. It was around that time that Ethan first expressed his interest in becoming a donor and being able to help others.   On August 16, 2000, he ensured that his wishes would be known by registering online to be an organ, tissue and cornea donor.

Ethan became an avid and accomplished sailor and a seeker of interesting and arcane information. He had a dry sense of humor that would often leave his family and friends laughing and smiling.

At age 39, Ethan was a student at Old Dominion University and had worked as a project manager with computer software and hardware in the electronic security industry. On June 6, 2011, Ethan had a cardiac incident that caused him to go without breath or heartbeat for a prolonged time.  His family rushed to his side at the hospital and together faced the reality that the Ethan they knew and loved was gone.  

Julia Williams, Ethan's wife, said: "As I was in the hospital room with Ethan, I felt his presence in the room as plain as day. I had this knowledge somehow, that he was there with me, comforting me, and it was very clear to me that Ethan was no longer lying in that hospital bed. Knowing without a doubt what Ethan's wishes were was the biggest comfort of all.  I was so relieved that I didn't have to try to guess or make that decision for him."

On June 11, 2011, Ethan became a donor hero, saving three people's lives with the donation of his liver and kidneys.  Two people gained sight with his cornea gifts, and to date his tissue gifts have enhanced and improved the lives of more than 80 others.

"We miss Ethan every single day, but we're so proud of his decision to be a donor," Julia said. "We take comfort in knowing that his presence will live on through all the people he has helped. "