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April 26 was already a sacred date in Adrian Gilmore’s family.
It was on that day in 1997, that her grandfather, Al Weger, was given a second chance at life — a new heart, after a long and distressing wait. His wife, Violet, documented every step of that journey, writing about the prayers, the miracles and that morning they got the call that would change everything.
Twenty-eight years later, on April 26, 2025, the story came full circle.
On Saturday, Gilmore — a beloved Shoreham-Wading River teacher and girls varsity soccer coach who died after suffering a medical episode at school on Tuesday — gave her heart to save someone else’s life.
“My father in law received his heart from his donor on April 26, 1997,” Adrian’s mother, Cathy Burke Weger, wrote Saturday in a Facebook post that shared the family’s extraordinary discovery. “On this day, April 26, 2025, my beautiful daughter will be giving her heart to someone in need.”
“This gives me chills. Even in her passing, Adrian is helping others,” Stacey Trakas commented on Gilmore’s mother’s post. “The ultimate gift was given to your father-in-law on this day so many years ago. Now another fortunate individual will get another chance due to Adrian’s generosity. An angel on Earth and now one in heaven.”
Lisa Black added, “That’s an amazing story. What a special donation from a special young woman. Adrian will live on forever.”
Gilmore, 42, of Mastic suffered a sudden medical event just before 3 p.m. Tuesday at Albert G. Prodell Middle School in East Shoreham. She has been remembered in recent days as a compassionate educator, an inspiring coach and a cherished member of the Shoreham-Wading River and William Floyd School District communities.
She was also a fierce and respected competitor who most recently led Shoreham-Wading River girls varsity soccer to a county title. The team reached the semi-finals of the state championship tournament.
Friends and family affirm Gilmore lived with a big heart — one that will continue to touch lives through another.
A wave of community support
Funeral arrangements have not been announced for Gilmore, who is survived by her husband, Tim, and their three children, Kayla, Cameron and Colby.
A GoFundMe campaign to support the family has raised nearly $160,000 from more than 1,600 donations.
Top photo: Adrian Gilmore, a soccer coach and teacher in Shoreham-Wading River schools, donated her heart this weekend, following her death from a medical episode suffered at school (Facebook/Section XI).
