On March 16, 2005, Timothy C. "Timbo" McWilliams, Jr., a beloved son, brother, family member and friend, passed away at the age of 27 from complications related to a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that he had sustained three years earlier. During his life, and especially throughout his rehabilitation and recovery, Tim exemplified a boundless will to live and an innate ability to positively affect those around him. As Tim healed from TBI, his family worked through his recovery to heal as well. With their experience in mind, the McWilliams family created this foundation to help patients and families going through similar recovery from TBI.
The Foundation was awarded the 2008 Sarah and James Brady Award for Public Service for leadership in enhancing services needed by people with TBI throughout New Jersey. In addition, Debbie McWilliams was a 2009 recipient of a Jefferson Award in recognition of her local community service. Founded in 1972 by Sam Beard, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., this award honors individuals for local and national public and community service.