William McMahon

William “Will” McMahon was an active, healthy, 16-year old honor student from Pensacola. During the last week of 2004, Will went from having flu-like symptoms to being diagnosed with unexplainable liver failure. He was flown to Shands at UF in critical condition, while his mother, Kim, was told he had 24 hours to live.

Miraculously, Will received a life-saving liver transplant on January 2, 2005. Will fought bravely to recover and was able to return home, go back to school and resume his passions of surfing and playing the guitar.

Five months later, however, he developed complications and was placed back on the organ transplant waiting list. He needed a second liver transplant, which sadly never came. Will passed away on May 19, 2005.

Following his passing, Kim McMahon founded a non-profit foundation in his memory. The William Rollings McMahon Foundation supports donor education and works to encourage donor registrations. Kim frequently travels to speak to schools, student groups, civic groups and other audiences.

“If more people would talk to their family and friends about organ and tissue donation and register to become donors,” said McMahon, “no one else would ever have to die waiting for an organ.”