The Nigel Williams Award How the Award Got Started - the Story of Nigel Williams Nigel Robert Charles Williams was born with Noonan's Syndrome; a rare genetic disorder that adversely affects the development of the body's organs. During the first 18 years of his life he had eight specialists at The Hospital for Sick Children who monitored his heart functions, orthopaedic development, urology,lymph and hormonal balances. Regrettably, at the age of one, during his first open-heart surgery, Nigel contracted Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion; resulting in the additional ongoing need for blood and liver specialists. Nigel's health has been relatively stable since his third open-heart surgery in 1999, but he will never be physically strong. He suffers from chronic pain, poor digestion, fatigue and lack of stamina. While attending elementary school, Nigel endured many instances when he was too weak to sit up in class, yet he kept doing his very best, and made it to graduation. Because of his poignant journey, the "Nigel Williams Award for Personal Strength and Courage" was created to honour him and other children with like experiences. The Award is designated and presented by the Ontario Disrict School Boards annually to graduating grade 8 and grade 12 students who have suffered and struggled like Nigel, to achieve a normal social and academic life.