Jesse Williams

Donor Hero

“To be so young, Jesse was full of personality,” shared Tiffany about her son, donor hero Jesse. “He was a very independent dependent and stubborn is an understatement! I guess he got that from his mama.”  

“Jesse loved the outdoors and wanted to go outside every chance he got. There wasn’t a day that he didn’t come home dirty from head to toe. Playing in dirt and sand was his favorite pastime. He was also a stout little fella who loved to eat! He admired his daddy and loved to ride on the tractor and be tucked into bed at night by him. He loved all his older siblings as well and one of my favorite memories is of Jesse dancing on the back porch with his older brother after playing in the rain. One time we were at our favorite local Mexican restaurant and the waiter gave us a bowl of lemons. Jesse tried one and made the funniest face. What I wouldn’t give to see that face again.  

Jesse passed away at only 17 months old. Organ donation was not something we had discussed before because we never thought that we would be in that situation. Under the circumstances, the only way we could accept losing him, was by creating his legacy and making him a hero to others. Unexpected loss, especially an infant, is not easy, but the decision for donation was precious to us. We felt comfort during our time of loss and devastation.  

Jesse was able to help three people through his gifts, two of which are other children. We are grateful for the thousands of people who have been touched by Jesse’s story. The outpour of love, messages and prayers that our family experienced left us in awe. People we’ve never met, even in other countries, have reached out to us in support, sharing how Jesse’s legacy has impacted them.  

It is our intention to write and reach out to Jesse’s recipients one day. It would mean the world to us to meet them and get to know the people our Jesse saved. For us, Jesse’s recipients are a way for him to live the life he didn’t have the chance to.  

To other donor families, I would say, please understand that in your grief there is hope! We know the pain and the loss, but the reward of donation is great. God has many blessings to bestow and through organ donation, you get to be a part of something that is much bigger than we can understand.  

We know that our Jesse had a purpose on this earth in his short life. We have seen how he has impacted our family, our community, his recipients and beyond. We love him endlessly and can’t wait to see him again one day.”