Katharine Lawrence has always been a giver. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Katharine went to Mississippi to provide help to those in need and even hosted a displaced family. She did the same when Sandy struck New Jersey. Despite her active volunteer work, Katharine suffered with back pain. On September 4, 2012, Katharine underwent her third back surgery to fuse her L2 through L5 vertebrae. She also received donor bone to assist in the healing process. "I will always be eternally grateful to my donor whose gift allowed me to continue volunteering and helping others," said Katharine.

Katharine's Story

Katharine Lawrence has always been a giver. She has devoted her life to family and many charitable causes. For her three now-grown sons Tommy, Matty and Joey, she dedicated time to serving as a Cub Scout den leader, PTA vice president, and even basketball coach.

For many years, she coordinated food donations and the volunteer staff for the local Lions Football Club snack shack. Now she is a member of Legatus, a membership organization for Catholic business leaders and spouses, and a board member of the Foundation for Catholic Education.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, Katharine traveled to southern Mississippi to bring a load of generators, fresh food, dog food and other necessities to those in need. After returning to New Jersey, she hosted a displaced family from Kenner, La. When Sandy hit close to home last year, she opened her home to 12 people even though it was only two months after she had back surgery.

On September 4, 2012, Katharine underwent her third back surgery. Her L2 through L5 vertebrae were fused together and she received donor bone to assist in the healing process. In a turnabout, the "giver" was on the other end of another's generosity and greatly benefitted from a tissue and bone donor.

"I will always be eternally grateful to my donor whose gift has allowed me to continue volunteering and helping others," said Katharine.