This is her story in her own words:
Heather's story
This year has been for me a time of celebration and reflection. Twenty years ago I was given the most precious gift of all - life.
Despite their grief, a courageous family made the decision to carry out the wishes of a loved one, donating organs to save the lives of strangers. I am acutely aware that every breath I take is because of you. Thank you.
My other heroes are the surgeons, whose miraculous hands are extending lives at this moment. I am truly humbled by your skill and dedication.
I recently questioned the wisdom of celebrating this anniversary publicly, but I was reminded by a friend that it was unique because the fundraising campaign had involved the entire Wairarapa community.
It is your story as much as mine.
When I sat down to consider those memorable months in 1994, I realised that the commitment, passion and energy demonstrated by everyone involved had not been diminished by time.
The collective positive spirit of the community, the Lions Club, family and friends, Martinborough School staff, parents and children, enabled us to deal with those challenging months in Brisbane.
The sheer force of human nature at its best, never doubting a positive outcome.
The hands across the water that encouraged and inspired us every step of the way and welcomed us home with such an outpouring of love. Thank you.
The past 20 years have also been an ongoing adventure.
In 2001 we made the decision to move to Australia to be near my two daughters, Jacqui and Suzie and new granddaughter Dannielle. There are no words to describe what it has meant for our family to be able to share the milestones and magic, along with the usual bumps along the way. A treasure box of precious memories.
I still teach 15 students in a tutoring capacity and hope to continue driving around the glorious bays each afternoon, for many years to come.
Teaching has been a pivotal force in my life for 50 years and my life has been enriched in countless ways, particularly during my time at Martinborough School and St Teresa's School.
I am really well now but was unable to travel last year because of a few health issues, so in June this year we set off for eight weeks in Europe to fulfil a lifelong dream ... each day a celebration of history, beauty and life itself. Simply amazing.
This year has been eventful, but the most surprising and life-changing moment occurred on March 9 when our doorbell rang.
It was Gordon Wiseman, my donor's husband, who had managed to trace me through a series of fortuitous circumstances. Nothing had prepared me for that moment.
Although we had exchanged a few letters through the transplant co-ordinator, our communication had been rather formal, as little personal information is permitted in order to protect both families.
Our meeting was the beginning of an emotional roller coaster. We talked for hours as Gordon shared the story of his wife Kate's sudden death and the subsequent gift of her organs to four people. To be given a photo of Kate and learn about her life was rather surreal initially but it all now seems a natural part of my life, as if I have always known her.
To be able to thank Gordon personally for acting on Kate's wishes was such a healing experience and our ongoing friendship with him and his family has added another wonderful dimension to our lives. Life's rich tapestry.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw:
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
-Mrs Marchioni will be speaking at the Martinborough Lions Club tonight.
