Prayers and support for Marshawna & Shaela

Dear Friends,

A little more than a decade ago, I found myself in a dire situation, relying on a liver transplant that saved my life. During those challenging times, I was unable to work, yet many of you provided an incredible level of support beyond my imagination. You rallied around my family and me during what felt like the darkest chapter of my life. Today, I humbly acknowledge that I was granted the gift of life, albeit under the heart-wrenching circumstances of another's tragedy. I'm now thriving, and through this invaluable gift of life, I've discovered a new family for which I am immensely grateful.

Some of you may already be aware of the hardships my daughter, Shaela, has been enduring. She, too, is in desperate need of a liver transplant. When we learned that she required a transplant to survive, I realized that the most difficult period of my life wasn't when I was unwell but rather now, as I witnessed my beloved daughter enduring what I experienced several years ago.

Today, it is with mixed emotions as I share the news that Shaela will finally receive the long-awaited life-saving liver transplant she so urgently needs on November 8th. I'm filled with excitement because my child will no longer suffer, yet my heart also aches because my older daughter, Marshawna, will selflessly donate a portion of her liver to save her sister's life.

Shaela is not only a devoted mother to one of our 5-year-old grandsons but also a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her final five months of the nursing program, her liver health was getting worse, but she was committed to finishing the program and did not allow the numerous surgeries and other procedures to stand in her way. Once she recovers from this ordeal, she is determined to pay it forward as a registered nurse, providing care and support to many others. Perhaps she will choose a path in the field of organ transplantation, and if fate allows, she too will become part of life-changing experiences for many other families.

Marshawna, who once graced us as the 2008 Rose Festival Queen, has dedicated her life to working for nonprofit organizations, all sharing a collective mission to serve people and families. While she is volunteering to donate half of her liver, many others, including our youngest daughter AshLee and a handful of other family members and friends, some of whom only know of Shaela through me, also signed up to be tested as potential donors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of those who were tested. I am eternally thankful for your selfless actions.

Now, I ask, if it is within your means, please stand by my children, Marshawna and Shaela, just as many of you stood by me nearly ten years ago. As you can imagine, it will be at least a few months of recovery before either of them can return to work, so your donations are deeply appreciated.

We've made progress. The journey ahead will be long and challenging, and it will take some time until Shaela and Marshawna fully emerge from the forest. The Williams family extends our deepest appreciation for your unwavering prayers and support.

Warmest regards,

Mark Williams