Virginia Beach teacher to receive life-saving liver transplant from husband

Casey Williams, a second-grade teacher, has quietly battled liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis for over a decade.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray image reveals the intricate structure of a human liver, glowing with an inner light against a dark background, conveying the fragility and complexity of the organ as well as the hope of renewal through transplantation.An X-ray image of a liver structure highlights the complexity of the organ and the hope of renewal through transplantation.Virginia Beach Today

Casey Williams, a second-grade teacher at New Castle Elementary School in Virginia Beach, is set to undergo a life-changing liver transplant surgery next week. For more than 15 years, Casey has faced ongoing health challenges, including liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis, that have required frequent hospital visits and surgeries. Despite her struggles, she has remained dedicated to her students and her family. Her husband, Neil Williams, a Virginia Beach firefighter, is a perfect donor match and will be donating 60% of his liver to Casey.

Why it matters

Casey's story highlights the critical need for organ donors, as thousands of Americans remain on the liver transplant waitlist. Her perseverance and commitment to her students and community despite her health challenges have left a lasting impression, and her upcoming surgery represents a chance at a healthier, fuller life after years of uncertainty.

The details

Casey Williams has faced ongoing health issues, including liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis, for more than a decade. Doctors had previously told her she might have about 15 years before needing a liver transplant, but that timeline came sooner than expected. After testing, Casey's husband Neil was identified as a perfect donor match, and he will be donating 60% of his liver to Casey during the upcoming transplant surgery. The surgery is expected to be extensive, lasting up to 20 hours combined.

  • Casey has faced ongoing health challenges for more than 15 years.
  • Doctors had previously told Casey she might have about 15 years before needing a liver transplant.
  • Casey's transplant surgery is scheduled for next week at UVA Health Medical Center.

The players

Casey Williams

A second-grade teacher at New Castle Elementary School in Virginia Beach who has quietly battled liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis for over a decade.

Neil Williams

Casey's husband, a Virginia Beach firefighter, who is a perfect donor match and will be donating 60% of his liver to Casey during the upcoming transplant surgery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She's had 15 years of having no energy, struggling to exist day to day, and doing everything she can to participate in our lives the best she can.”

— Neil Williams, Casey's husband

“Her surgeon, he said, 'You have the textbook liver — in size, texture, function — and it's exactly what we needed.'”

— Neil Williams, Casey's husband

“She's going to get the quality of life she's deserved for the last 15 years.”

— Neil Williams, Casey's husband

What’s next

The transplant surgery, scheduled for next week at UVA Health Medical Center, is expected to be extensive, lasting up to 20 hours combined.

The takeaway

Casey's story highlights the critical need for organ donors and the importance of perseverance in the face of ongoing health challenges. Her dedication to her students and community, despite her own struggles, has left a lasting impression, and her upcoming surgery represents a chance at a healthier, fuller life after years of uncertainty.