Jessica Marie Ward displayed a positive outlook that was demonstrated through her beautiful smile and strong will. She enjoyed writing poetry, wearing her different African braid hairstyles, and shopping. Jessica loved teddy bears and had a large collection of them.

During high school and college, Jessica was very active in many community organizations such as Heavenly Treasures Mentor Program, national Beta Society, Community Club Tutoring Program and Future Focus Mentoring Program. She also volunteered at the National Food Bank, Arboretum Recreation Center, and Providence Hospital.

Jessica was a sophomore at Trinity College in Washington, DC, and had planned to have a career in childhood education. However, those dreams quickly disappeared on November 1, 2003, when the 19-year-old had a seizure as she slept. She was rushed to the hospital where the doctors worked tirelessly to revive her, but she never reawakened.

Jessica had registered as a donor when she renewed her driver’s license. Her tissue donation enhanced the lives of 23 people: including her pericardium, the sac around the heart, which can be used during brain surgery to cover the surgery site; her heart valve for one who suffered from congenital heart failure; and bones from her arms and legs as well as her Achilles tendon for patients who have bone cancer or sports related injuries. Skin was also donated to help people with severe burns.

“Jessica was also a very loving and generous person,” said her mother Jeanne Ward. “When she died, we thought what better way to honor our daughter’s life than by donating her tissues. It helps our family by knowing that Jessica lives on in the lives she has touched by donation. We consider Jessica to be a hero.”

Jessica’s parents are now volunteers for Washington Regional Transplant Community,and Jeanne serves on the Donor Family Council. The entire family has participated in educating the community about the need of organ and tissue donation.