A Heartfelt Journey: Young Man Returns to Colorado to Celebrate 25th Heart Transplant Anniversary

Young Man Returns to Colorado to Celebrate 25th Heart Transplant Anniversary

Each year, Donor Alliance brings the Colorado community together to honor the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation at the 

Donor Dash 5k run/walk. In its 25th year, the annual event celebrates the lives of recipients, honors donors and their families and recognizes those still waiting for a transplant. This year’s event holds special significance for Colorado-born Thomas Williams and his family who will be returning to Colorado from Tennessee to participate. Thomas received a life-saving heart transplant in Colorado when he was just six months old and will be celebrating his 25th “heart–iversary” at the event.  

Thomas’s story began when he was just five days old. He was diagnosed with multiple heart defects, and his parents were told he would need a heart transplant.

After Thomas was placed on the waitlist for a new heart, he and his family waited 65 days for the call that would change everything. There was a match for Thomas.

 Thomas’s family was suddenly flooded with a mix of emotions. They were overjoyed by the possibility that their child’s life could be saved, but also felt extreme sorrow for the donor’s family who had lost their own child. 

After a successful transplant, Thomas was able to grow, learn and play. He never let his condition define him or limit his aspirations. Now, at the age of 25, he continues to remain thankful to his donor who played an enormous role in helping him achieve his life goals, including going on to play college baseball. Thomas has used his experiences to inspire others. “If he can be an inspiration to just one kid, everything he has been through has been worth it,” says his family.

Join the Celebration

Thomas and his family are returning to Colorado to celebrate his 25th heartiversary at the Donor Dash on July 21 in Washington Park, Denver. They last attended the Donor Dash when Thomas was just four years old and are excited to come “home” to share their story and spread awareness about how one family’s decision about organ, eye, and tissue donation changed the course of their lives forever.

Today, there are nearly 1,300 people across Colorado and Wyoming waiting on a lifesaving transplant. Transplants offer people like Thomas a new chance at a healthy and productive life, returning recipients to their families, friends and communities. At the time of their death, just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save or heal more than 75 lives through tissue donation.

By participating in the 25th Annual Donor Dash, you can honor donors, promote the lifesaving power of organ donation and inspire others to consider registering to be a donor. Visit the Donor Dash website to register and to learn more about becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Saying “Yes” to donation saves lives.