Jacqueline Kathleen Williams-HERO Status and Legacy

Sherry DuChateau is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Michael Williams.

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Jacqueline Kathleen Williams

On Thursday, May 30th, my beloved niece Jaci took her final breaths, surrounded by the love of her husband, Mike and her mom, Jill as well as her brave son, Jayden.

This heart-wrenching journey began Memorial Day weekend during a family camping trip in Wisconsin Rapids. Jaci, who had a history of migraines, had been experiencing increasingly severe headaches in the weeks leading up to this tragic event. Her neurologist had referred her to Mayo Clinic and the referral paperwork was in the works. On Saturday, she was seen in the emergency room, where she received IV fluids of Benadryl, Toradol and anti-nausea medications. A CT scan of her head was done. For a brief time, it seemed that things were calming down and she was discharged from the ER.

However, on Sunday early morning, Jaci suffered several excruciating headaches accompanied by pressure and extreme nausea. Mike rushed her back to the ER, where she continued to become increasingly ill. Jaci became unresponsive and another CT scan was performed. This scan showed acute, severe brain swelling and she was transferred to UW-Madison Hospital—initially planned via air transport, but ultimately transported by ambulance due to severe weather conditions.

The devastating news came after additional brain scans were done upon arrival at UW-Madison. Jaci had been deprived of oxygen to her brain for 4-5 hours and would never regain consciousness. She was declared "brain dead" due to such an immense amount of swelling in a short duration of time.

In an agonizing conversation, Mike and Jaci’s parents were informed of the situation. Given Jaci’s status as a registered organ donor, the topic of organ donation arose. The family made a courageous decision: Jaci’s tragedy could bring hope and life to others. After 4 days on life support keeping her viable organs alive, Jaci’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and tissue landed miracles to other families in need that could thwart the very situation they were in.

Mike and the boys were fully committed to this process even when it would have been easier to let go. Relatives gathered to say their final words and goodbyes as hundreds of diagnostic tests were conducted around the clock to determine the viability of Jaci’s organs.

Jaci’s life and her selfless gifts were celebrated with an Honor Walk on Thursday. The halls were lined from her ICU room to the Operating Room with hospital staff and immediate family members---a beautiful tribute to her legacy. Jaci will live on in the lives of those she saves. This is the silver lining in an otherwise heartbreaking tragedy. She is a true HERO. Dylan and Jayden have been so courageous throughout this tragedy and SO PROUD of their mom's gift to others.

Mike and Jaci had just purchased a new home, moving on June 10th. She was over the moon about her dream house.....her new happy place in Wisconsin Rapids. She had so many projects planned for the family to turn it into their forever home. Her boys (big and little) promise to keep her dreams alive and to be the absolute best people they can.

We could not be more appreciative of the amazing staff at UW-Madison Neuro ICU. They are the most loving, compassionate, knowledgeable people in the world. We are truly blessed that amongst this horrible situation, we had the support of the most brilliant minds with the biggest arms to hold us.

Your monetary contributions will serve a meaningful purpose—covering medical bills and future endeavors to support Jayden and Dylan in their love of the arts and trades. Their journey ahead will undoubtedly be difficult.

Please keep Mike, Jayden, Dylan, and the rest of us close to your hearts at this time. We are shocked, confused and heartbroken.

Currently, there are no funeral plans in place. We are planning a celebration of life for the immediate family at Jaci’s happy place in WI Rapids. There will also be a celebration to honor Jaci's life in Milwaukee for a broader audience of friends, family and those she touched with her vibrant personality and beautiful spirit.