For seven years, U.S. Navy veteran Al Williams balanced dialysis sessions with his job, coaching, and family life, all while battling end-stage renal failure. But he was determined to provide his son with a normal life, scheduling dialysis in different states in order to continue family vacations. Despite battling the side effects of dialysis, Al kept up with his family, not letting dialysis get in the way.
In 2011, a life-saving kidney transplant gave him a new lease on life.
Post-transplant, Al witnessed milestones he once thought impossible, including his son Nico’s high school, college, and master’s degree graduations. Al was able to watch his son play football and enjoy international travel with his wife, Maxine.
“Life after the transplant was incredible for him, truly a new lease on life, for us all,” said Maxine.
Unfortunately, 12 years after his transplant, Al passed away in 2023. His legacy lives on through the Al Williams Foundation, which advocates for organ donation and preventative care in Black and Brown communities disproportionately affected by organ failure.
“The bottom line is, you don’t need your organs when you’re gone, but somebody else may need them to live a full life,” Maxine urged. “Becoming a donor is a way of you living on.”
You can provide hope too by registering as a donor today at https://donatelifepa.org/