The community is showing support for a boy who spent his tenth birthday in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) waiting for a heart transplant.
/ Provided by the family
ELGIN, SC (WACH) - The community is showing support for a boy who spent his tenth birthday in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) waiting for a heart transplant.
In June, doctors found that Amari Williams had an enlarged heart when he went in for treatment for swollen feet.
After several tests at Palmetto Health Richland, doctors determined Williams should be transferred to MUSC where he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, which is also known as heart failure.
Williams has been waiting on a transplant ever since.
Williams' story touched the entire community and the Kershaw County Council proclaimed his birthday, October 13, "Amari Williams' Got Heart Day."
"As of today, he's doing well," said Robert Gary, Kershaw County Council. "The doctors are pleased with the progress that he's made, but he is on a heart transplant list, so he's awaiting a heart transplant."
Williams' family is selling "Got Heart?" t-shirts to help pay for medical costs. They have sold more than 700 shirts so far.
Family and friends traveled to Charleston Saturday for birthday celebrations at MUSC. They gathered in front of the hospital for a prayer and balloon release in honor of Williams, which was followed by birthday cake.
Williams' mother says her 10-year-old son didn't want to spend his birthday in the hospital, but knows it gives the opportunity to raise awareness and show the importance of early detection of heart issues in children.
"Having the event take place at the one hospital in the state that is able to meet the needs of all children with some sort of heart defect helps drive the point home," said Dr. Camisha H. Williams.
Dr. Williams hopes her son's strength and patience as he waits for a new heart can give others hope who may be in a similar situation.
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