SECAUCUS AND BEYOND — Secaucus resident Dorie Heckman died last Thursday, July 28, after a long battle with medullary cystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder. She was 55. First diagnosed with kidney failure at age 14, she was one of the longest survivors of dialysis after over 40 years of treatment. Three kidney transplants failed, including one from her mother. Heckman was dedicated to the improvement of the lives of kidney patients as the president of the Heckman Foundation for Kidney Research. She was also a self-employed investor and previously worked as an aide for Congressman Frank Guarini and the United Way of Hudson County.
Despite her battle with kidney disease throughout her life, Heckman continued to live life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling and going to the theater. She is survived by her sister, Caroline Addeo and brother, Glenn Heckman; brother-in-law, Felix Addeo; and sister-in-law, Jill Heckman; nephews, Craig Addeo and his wife, Lala, Michael, and Dale Addeo, August and Maureen, Glenn and Kristen, and Keith and Amy Heckman; great-nieces, Tessa Addeo, Shannon, Kaitlin and Carly Heckman; and great-nephew, William Heckman. She was predeceased by her father, Judge August Heckman; her mother, Rosanna; and two brothers, August Jr. and Bernard.