Will’s story started on October 16, 1997.  William Christian Fischer was a healthy 9 lb. 11 oz.  He grew to have quite a personality!  Will loved to look at books, play with trucks, and watch NASCAR races.  You could ask him who his favorite driver was, and he would respond, “Mark Mark” (Mark Martin).  “What car does he drive?”  Will would then proudly say, “6!” Blue’s Clues was his favorite show.  Will loved to wear his “Steve” shirt.  He also liked to cuddle in the mornings, say his prayers at night, and loved to blow bubbles!  Will was a child that was loved and adored. 

Will was 2 years and 2 months old when he had a massive stroke on December 18, 1999.  The next day, my husband, Terry,  and I knew that Will would not survive the stroke.  We had always known that we would want to be organ donors.  You do not think about your two-year-old child.  Will was a helper.  We decided that he would have wanted to help others if he had been given the chance to voice his opinion.  As a donor mother, I will tell you that it is a hard decision, but organ donation is the right one. To seven unknown people,  Will saved lives and returned sight. 

After over 20 years of volunteering for my local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) in many roles, including serving on the Advisory Board representing donor families, I decided it was time to officially work for the OPO. For almost 4 years, I have been a Family Support Coordinator (FSC). As an FSC, I have had the privilege to walk with families who are facing end-of-life decisions and offer them the opportunity for organ donation. My job is to support them, love them, pray with them, and walk beside the families during the most difficult day they have had to face.  

Currently, I travel as an FSC.  Will takes me on adventures across the country. He is with me in the sacred spaces I share with my families. I am truly blessed to have a job that I love and makes a difference.