FALL 2014 VOLUME 5

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ISSUE 2

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F NJ SHARING NETWORK

Transplant Games - More than Medals CONNECTIONS & HEARTFELT THANKS Lt. Governor Champions Our Life-Saving Mission

You never know when or where a bout of generosity can strike. Take the story of Maureen Tracy, profiled on page 4, who was sitting on a beach in LBI last summer when a casual chat became a defining moment in her life. She learned that Mario Teixeira, a distant relative, was in desperate need of a kidney. Maureen did not really know Mario and did not know about organ donation. But as you will soon read, the pair now has a lifetime bond.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Vito Pulito Chair

Bruce I. Goldstein, Esq. Vice Chair

Howard A. Nelson Treasurer

Marc H. Lory Secretary

Patrick M. Buddle, MD Bonnie Evans Edward J. Florio, Esq. Michael P. Hedden Anthony L. Marchetta Vijay Rajput, MD Timothy J. Touhey Charles G. (Gary) Walker

ADVISORY BOARD Mark J. Zucker, MD Chair

Loretta Aigner, RN Gail Clegg Roseann DiBrienza, RN, MS Stuart R. Geffner, MD Michael Gould, MD Sarah E. Jensen, Esq. David A. Laskow, MD James Lim, MD Debra L. Morgan, MSW, LCSW Shamkant Mulgaonkar, MD Trish O’Keefe, RN, MSN Ty J. Olson, MD John S. Radomski, MD Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD Bruce Stroever Harry Sun, MD Dorian J. Wilson, MD

EDITORIAL TEAM Mara Barlow Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications NJ Sharing Network

Co-Produced by Jaffe Communications & Campbell Health Media Special Thanks to Our Contributors: Alberta D’Addio David O’Hara Alyssa D’Addio Eneida Rebyak Joaquin Arisso, Jr. Sharon Sawczak Jan Hines John Valentine Jackie Lue Raia Carolyn Welsh Comments to editor@njsharingnetwork.org

Throughout this issue, you will read so many other heartwarming stories of people undertaking tremendous acts of generosity. It may not be donating a kidney, such as in Maureen’s case, but it could be support for the many events NJ Sharing Network holds throughout the year to raise money and awareness for organ and tissue donation. Honoring generosity was one of the main reasons NJ Sharing Network welcomed a special visitor this spring. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno stopped by our headquarters to thank us for our lifesaving mission and to help us honor the many people who help make us succeed. On page 12, we highlight the lieutenant governor’s visit, and wholeheartedly agree with her words: the families of organ and tissue donors are “the true heroes.” Having such an esteemed visitor helps in many ways. It underscores the important role we play in the New Jersey fabric, it energizes our volunteers and staff and it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our enormous pride in this organization. We hope Lt. Gov. Guadagno finds some time to return; there is always another story of generosity that we would love to share. In these pages, we also celebrate our very own “Team Liberty,” which participated in the Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Houston, supported in part by generous contributions. (page 14) We love writing about Team Liberty, which celebrates life and the enormous power of organ and tissue donation. We thank Team Liberty and all it does to raise awareness of our mission. We are also pleased to help the family of Jersey City police Det. Marc DiNardo remember and celebrate Marc’s life. He saved the lives of three others through organ donation when he was killed in the line of duty in 2009. The five-year anniversary of this gift was marked by a ceremony we were proud to host in July at NJ Sharing Network. In attendance were Detective DiNardo’s wife, Mary, his family and his heart recipient – Capt. Don Zolkiwsky – who earned the Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. I can still recall Mary’s words from that July day: “That was the heart that fell in love with me.” (page 15) One of the wonderful parts of my job is the opportunity to witness events like these and to encourage acts of kindness. In a world where the headlines often focus on all that is wrong, NJ Sharing Network shines a spotlight on what is right. We celebrate the goodness of people, and we marvel at the medical technologies that are fostered in our lab, which – I must note – received the National Kidney Registry’s “Excellence in Teamwork Award” for its participation in the longest kidney swap of 2013. (page 5) When I think of the many people who care so deeply about our mission, I often think of the famous quote: “When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.” I thank you all for your generosity and your support of NJ Sharing Network. It has been a terrific year, and it is because of you.

Joseph S. Roth President and Chief Executive Officer NJ Sharing Network On the Cover: Team Liberty members Patti and Victor DiSanto pose with Mary DiNardo (center) (inset) Governing Board of Trustee members Bruce Goldstein and Bonnie Evans with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (center)

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SUMMER 2013

FOUnDATIOn BOARD Peter Rooney, Jr., Chair

A most heartfelt thanks to you all for your hard work and dedication. Each of you brings special gifts to our mission to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation.

Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide Resident of Mendham

Marla Bace, Vice Chair Resident of Berkeley Heights

Many of you craft the beautiful shawls that we give to our donor families as an expression of comfort and compassion. Others organize teams for our 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race, or contribute to our other events, such as our annual Golf Classic. And so many of you share your powerful personal stories to educate others. All of your gifts contributed to our success this year. Our fourth-annual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race on June 8 was truly unprecedented. A record 10,000 people participated. We had 274 teams and we raised more than $800,000, the most ever. We welcomed a record number of corporate sponsors. Under the leadership of Chair Donna AlbaneseDemair, the four years of this signature community event have raised more than $2.5 million for the NJ Sharing Network Foundation and will be used to save even more lives. A special thanks to Donna for her hard work and dedication as she passes the role as chair to Dan Sarnowski for the next 5K on June 7, 2015. This September, for the first time, we sponsored a team in Gran Fondo NJ, a big ride through scenic northern New Jersey, reminiscent of the Italian countryside bike events. I have high hopes that this will become an annual event for the Foundation, as we cheer on “Team NJ Sharing Network.” We took our Golf Classic to the historic Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield for the first time last year. The event was such a success that we returned this year on October 6 and added a golf clinic. The philanthropic dollars you help raise contribute to research and advance our mission in so many ways. We support Team Liberty in the Transplant Games of America. Our New Jersey athletes show how organ recipients regain their lives through the gift. The games also honor donors and their families. Your generosity also allows us to sponsor a donor family and a recipient to participate in the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. You can read more about all these efforts in the pages of this issue of Circle of Life. I hope you enjoy the magazine; so much of what we showcase here could not be done without your support. I thank you again for your time, talents and commitment to our mission to save lives.

Philip S. Kolm, Treasurer Resident of Fort Lee

Alberta D’Addio, Secretary Resident of Watchung

Cheryl H. Cohen, MBA, FHFMA Wells Fargo Equipment Finance Resident of Chesterfield

J.D. de León Resident of Jersey City

Lenore C. Ford Resident of Morristown

Randi Geffner Resident of Livingston

Honorable F. Michael Giles Resident of West Orange

Derlys M. Gutierrez, Esq. Adams Stern Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC Resident of Montclair

Thomas Ludlum, Esq. City of Paterson Law Department Ludlum Law Offices Resident of Glen Rock

Lisa J. Meyers Summit YMCA Resident of Summit

Anthony E. Pizzutillo Smith Pizzutillo LLC Resident of Lawrenceville

Suzann Rizzo Investors Bank Resident of Staten Island, NY

Dan Sarnowski Resident of Cutchogue, NY

Bernard Simon Resident of Edison

Ex-Officio Members: Joseph S. Roth

Elisse E. Glennon Executive Director, Foundation NJ Sharing Network

President and CEO NJ Sharing Network

Barry Newman Chief Financial Officer NJ Sharing Network

Elisse E. Glennon Executive Director NJ Sharing Network Foundation

Some Team Liberty members gathered in New Providence to honor Detective MarcAnthony DiNardo. Learn more about Team Liberty and the Transplant Games of America on page 14.

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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news

SHARING

A Chat on the Beach Leads to Saving the Life of an East Hanover Man Inspired by the Plight of a Distant Relative, a Verona Mother of Three Donates Her Kidney Mario Teixeira’s life was saved last summer. He just didn’t know it. It all began last August during a visit to Long Beach Island. Maureen Tracy had been sitting on the beach with a distant cousin, Josette Teixeira, hearing about how her husband, Mario, had been on dialysis for two years and desperately needed a kidney transplant. Maureen, a single mother of three from Verona, expressed her sympathies and the topic of conversation moved elsewhere. But in the days and weeks that followed, Maureen could not stop thinking about Mario and the battle he was quietly facing. Maureen began asking herself: “Well, why can’t I donate a kidney to Mario?” “I started doing the research and realized that it was no big deal for healthy people to donate a kidney,” said Maureen, 45. “But I was concerned. I am a healthy person, a single mother and I wouldn’t want to do anything that would limit my active life.” Earlier this year, Maureen was still thinking about Mario. So finally she picked up the phone and called Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston to ask questions and learn if she could even be a possible donor of Mario’s new kidney.

Maureen underwent the kidney transplant on April 15. She was out of the hospital within two days, and without pain a week after that. Ten days after the transplant she was taking vigorous walks in the park, four weeks after the transplant she resumed jogging and, on June 8, she placed fifth in her age category at NJ Sharing Network’s fourthannual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race in New Providence. “I’m so glad this happened; I was really blown away that Maureen even considered it,” Mario said. “I now get this feeling whenever she’s close by. When we were in the hospital, after the surgery, I said that I had a taste for eggplant parmesan. My son gave me this weird look and said Maureen had just said the same thing a few minutes ago.”

Network, said altruistic donors like Maureen Tracy are incredible individuals who selflessly save lives.

Mario said it is wonderful to have his life back and to have “a new, good, close friend,” noting Maureen and her kids were planning on coming by his East Hanover home later that afternoon to jump in the pool.

He notes that kidney donors could also be “paired donors,” in which they can become part of a chain and save countless lives. A paired donor scenario involves a patient who has an incompatible, yet willing donor. These donors

“...it just seemed like something I was meant to do.” – Maureen Tracy

An appointment was scheduled for a test – Maureen was a perfect match. “I told Mario and Josette that I would donate my kidney; they were speechless,” she recalled. “They knew me and my personality, and, as a single mom, the sacrifice I would be making to donate a kidney. I never looked at it that way; it just seemed like something I was meant to do.”

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FALL 2014

Maureen said she looks forward to volunteering her time with NJ Sharing Network and telling her story as a living donor, in the hopes others would consider donating a kidney. Dr. Prakash Rao, Vice President of Diagnostic & Research Operations and Director of the Transplant Laboratory for NJ Sharing

are tested and entered into a registry database and matched with other pairs. “Just one extremely compassionate and extremely generous person could start a chain, in which there are dozens of donors saving people’s lives at transplant centers across the country,” Rao said.

nJ Sharing network Honored for Participation in the Second-Longest Kidney Transplant Chain in History

NJ Sharing Network’s lab earned yet another distinction: the National Kidney Registry’s “Excellence in Teamwork Award” for its participation in the longest kidney swap of 2013. NJ Sharing Network participated in “Chain 221,” the second longest chain in the history of kidney transplants with 56 participants, through its work with Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Through the efforts of NJ Sharing Network’s lab, as well as the many other centers participating, 28 people received life-saving kidney transplants. Among those were 10 patients highly sensitized for kidney transplantation, adding a greater level of difficulty.

The award was accepted by Prakash Rao, Ph.D., Vice President of Diagnostic & Research Operations and Director of the Transplant Laboratory for NJ Sharing Network during the annual “Season of Miracles Awards Event” on May 15. “We take great pleasure and pride in seeing so many lives saved by our collective tenacity in the lab,” Dr. Rao said. “This is an honor for my staff and Saint Barnabas Medical Center, as well as the 18 other centers around the country that were honored with this award for their work in this paired exchange — all accomplished within 40 days.” According to the National Kidney Registry, this chain illustrates the enormous progress made to shorten set-up times for large swaps, reducing the time patients must wait for a kidney transplant. Large swaps like these also increase the ability to find matches for highly sensitized

patients who are extremely hard to match. Dr. Rao also served as a keynote speaker at the National Kidney Register’s annual paired exchange event, attracting transplant surgeons, nephrologists, exchange coordinators, medical directors, surgical directors, lab directors and program administrators to the May 16 conference at the New York Academy of Medicine. Dr. Rao spoke on a panel regarding histocompatibility, focusing on specific strategies for matches. He talked of his efforts to lead a process involving advanced matching strategies that have helped many highly sensitized patients with polycystic kidney disease achieve successful transplantation. Dr. Rao referred to his experience as an accreditation inspector for the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI). He is also nationally certified as a High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director.

Joe Roth and Peter Rooney named “Healthcare Heroes” Finalists

Scouts Honor Jackie Lue Raia The Boy Scouts of America awarded Jackie Lue Raia with the 2014 Tribute to Women Award, as part of its annual event to honor outstanding women. Jackie, who is assistant director of resource development for NJ Sharing Network, was honored in May for serving as an exemplary role model for young people and for living life according to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.

Joe Roth, president & CEO of NJ Sharing Network, and Peter Rooney, chairman of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, were selected as finalists in the Healthcare Heroes awards program through NJ Biz. Joe was honored as a finalist in the “Healthcare Professional of the Year” category, and Peter was a finalist in the “Volunteer of the Year” category. The Healthcare Heroes awards recognize individuals and organizations that have displayed heroic actions in the field of healthcare throughout New Jersey. Joe and Peter, pictured above, displayed their certificates during an awards ceremony in June in Somerset.

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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SHARING Innovative Ways to Use Data Presented at national Conference

To understand the trends and changes in the world of organ and tissue donation, many turn to David O'Hara, NJ Sharing Network's Manager of Data & Information Analytics. David keeps everyone educated on the importance of data. Is the number of transplanted organs in the United States going up or down? How does New Jersey compare with other states? The numbers keep changing and David’s data is invaluable to anyone deciding where to best target resources. Recently, David delivered a presentation on the innovative uses of data to save and enhance more lives to the Association of Organ Procurement Organization’s annual meeting in Baltimore.

nurses Spread the Word About Organ and Tissue Donation By Carol Fetterolf As a neurological intensive care nurse at Capital Health, the discussion of death is an unfortunate part of the job. My focus is to provide the best medical care I can – often under impossible circumstances – while also preparing loved ones for what could be the inevitable. It was in 1990 when I was on the other side, as a pre-nursing student talking with doctors and nurses about my mother, who was dying of diabetes. In our intense grief, as we stood shaking in shock, a gentle question arose: “Would you like to donate your mother’s corneas?” As a nurse for many years, it is a question that I, too, have carefully posed. I hate asking the question; there is something so final when loved ones whisper a “yes” through the tears, as if we were all giving up on any chance for a miracle recovery. On that day 24 years ago, my family did say yes. And, through that gesture in one of the darkest hours of our lives, my mother was able to give someone else the gift of sight. It was the last gift this wonderful woman gave, and the one I will always remember so fondly. If someone were able to see the world through the eyes of my mother, the world would be a little bit better of a place. It is a phrase I often use as I sit with grieving families who are given the choice to answer the question. It is a story I have shared with Kim Moroz, a nurse in my department, whose mother’s life was saved through a double lung transplant – thanks to the tremendous generosity of another donor.

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FALL 2014

I often am asked how the community can help nurses do a better job. The answer, to me, is immediate and obvious. There needs to be more information shared with the public about organ and tissue donation. Yes, it is not a conversation that people like to have, nor does there ever seem to be the right moment to bring up such a weighty topic. But when unexpected tragedy happens, and the gurney is wheeled into our emergency department, the topic quickly becomes a paramount issue. Nurses and physicians are often the ones broaching the delicate topic to distraught families who know little about the donation process, and we continually reach out to NJ Sharing Network to provide the extra help we need. Many people don’t know that organs can last without oxygen for only so long. Lungs and hearts must be transplanted within four hours of removal from the donor. Kidneys can be transplanted several hours later, but speed always remains the critical factor in ensuring organs aren’t damaged by lack of oxygen. While we may lose a life in our emergency department one night, receiving a “yes” from families to donate loved ones organs and tissue can save other lives. There are more than 120,000 people on the national waiting list for a life-saving organ, which includes nearly 5,000 New Jerseyans who are waiting at this moment for the call. Join me in calling for more community education about organ and tissue donation. I truly believe many New Jerseyans would generously register as an organ and tissue donor after having a simple conversation about this delicate topic. Help your local nurses by spreading the word about organ and tissue donation. It will make our jobs easier and ultimately help others - just like my mother did, for which I will forever be proud.

Campaign Increases Donor Designation By More Than 325,000 The hard work of 17 New Jersey hospitals to promote organ, eye and tissue donation has earned them recognition from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Lives Saved through Organ Donation*

Lives Enhanced through Tissue Donation*

180

January - June 2014 Total 21,490 Bayonne Medical Center 138 Bayshore Community Hospital 324 Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell 226 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 284 CentraState Medical Center 474 Chilton Hospital 458 Christ Hospital 180 Clara Maass Medical Center 502 Community Medical Center 1358 Compassionate Care Hospice 58 Cooper University Hospital 640 East Orange General Hospital 94 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 422 Hackensack University Medical Center 936 Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack 48 Hackettstown Regional Medical Center 44 Hoboken University Medical Center 94 Holy name Hospital 422 Hunterdon Medical Center 132 Jersey City Medical Center 552 Jersey Shore University Medical Center 694 JFK Medical Center 602 Kimball Medical Center 178 Kindred Hospital Morris County 4 Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center 4 Middlesex County Medical Examiner 2 Monmouth Medical Center 334 Morris County Medical Examiner 2 Morristown Medical Center 776 Mountainside Hospital 280 newark Beth Israel Medical Center 622 newton Medical Center 226 Ocean County Medical Examiner 2 Ocean Medical Center 638 Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center 464 Overlook Medical Center 658 Palisades Medical Center 318 Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge 146 Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy 278 Regional Medical Examiner 2 Riverview Medical Center 374 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 1348 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton 342 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway 366 Saint Barnabas Medical Center 658 Saint Clare's Hospital Denville 150 Saint Clare's Hospital Dover 92 Somerset Medical Center 502 Specialty Hospital of Central Jersey 6 St. Francis Medical Center 52 St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 746 St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 192 St. Luke's Warren Hospital 44 St. Marys Hospital 238 St. Michael's Medical Center 226 St. Peter's University Hospital 278 The Valley Hospital 672 Trinitas Regional Medical Center 556 University Hospital 622 University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro 364 VA new Jersey Heath Care System - East Orange 4 VA new Jersey Heath Care System - Lyons 42

January - June 2014 Total Capital Health Regional Medical Center

21

CentraState Medical Center

6

Chilton Hospital

3

Clara Maass Medical Center

9

Community Medical Center

4

Cooper University Hospital

6

East Orange General Hospital

5

Hackensack University Medical Center

21

Hunterdon Medical Center

3

Jersey City Medical Center

8

The department recognized 400 hospitals in the nation for their efforts to spread the word about donation, and for their registration efforts from June 2013 to May 2014.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center

3

JFK Medical Center

7

Morristown Medical Center

6

Mountainside Hospital

4

The New Jersey hospitals worked closely with NJ Sharing Network, the New Jersey Hospital Association and the state Motor Vehicle Commission to encourage people to register to become organ donors. The campaign resulted in 327,659 new donor designations in New Jersey.

newark Beth Israel Medical Center

The hospitals recognized by HHS are:

4

Overlook Medical Center

19

Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy

3

Riverview Medical Center

3

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

4

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway

1

Saint Clare’s Hospital Denville

2

St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center

4

Trinitas Regional Medical Center

9

University Hospital

Gold:

22

University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro

• Community Medical Center

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* One organ donor can save up to eight lives. It is estimated that one bone donor can help 50 people, one skin donor can help 40 people, one heart valve donor can help two people.

• The Valley Hospital

Silver: • Capital Health Regional Medical Center

Bronze: • Bayonne Medical Center

• Jersey City Medical Center

• Bayshore Community Hospital

• Jersey Shore University Medical

• Clara Maass Medical Center

• Ocean Medical Center

• Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

• Morristown Medical Center

• Trinitas Regional Medical Center

• Overlook Medical Center

• University Hospital

• Riverview Medical Center Bayonne Medical Center

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick

The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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ome held the hands of children. Others ran through the streets at their top speeds. And others stood on the sidelines and cheered. A record 10,000 people participated in the NJ Sharing Network 4th annual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race on June 8. There were 274 teams — each telling a poignant and unique story connected to the life-saving mission of NJ Sharing Network. Teams honored the legacy of donors, or expressed appreciation for a second chance at life. Others offered hope to those still waiting, or remembered those who died while waiting for an organ. The event, under sunny skies and warm breezes, broke records in attendance and in fundraising dollars.

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Healtheo360 spreads inspiration, hope Supporters of Healtheo360 came out in force to spread inspiration and hope. The organization supports patients living with all types of chronic conditions. Healtheo360 helps people living with illness share their personal stories to help others find motivation and strength. The organization also supports caregivers, family members and friends of patients. The group, at www.healtheo360.com, became a supporter of NJ Sharing Network during the 4th Annual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race.

Each year, Max’s Mitzvah Movers grows stronger. Max Prince started the team as a Bar Mitzvah project to honor his brother, Sam, who received a heart transplant and a second chance at life. Max sees the life-saving value of organ donation every time he looks at his little brother. Max continues spreading the word and supporting the mission.

Team Courtney is anchored by love and family. The team honors the legacy of Courtney Dayback, who died of a heart attack at the age of 19. Her organs saved the lives of seven people. The team is organized by Courtney’s mother and father, Linda and Dennis, as well as her three sisters, Kristina, Anna and Diana. “All of this fundraising helps us through some difficult times and allows us to just remember Courtney,” said her father, Dennis. “None of this could be accomplished without the incredible support of family and friends. We are so grateful.”

Team Joe-Joe honors the legacy of Joseph Ciccone. “Joe’s golden heart began beating again for someone else, giving another person a second chance to live and love wholeheartedly, just as he did,” said his sister, Alexandra Ciccone. “He touched the lives of so many during his life and is continuing to do so even after his death.”

Did you know? At our 2014 5K… • Combined distance traveled by 5K participants was 27,954 miles. That’s more than the circumference of the earth, which is 24,901 miles.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters:

Team Sammi Girl came together to honor the legacy of a young California actress. Sammi Kane Kraft died in an automobile accident in California at the age of 20. Despite the grief, her family responded with generosity and donated her organs. The young woman’s heart gave a second chance at life to Yvonne Payne of Teaneck, who received a transplant in 2012. “I will never be able to thank Sammi and her family enough for the gift they have given me. That’s why I give back by supporting NJ Sharing Network,” Yvonne said.

• 11,000 bottles of water were provided. • 8,500 bags of chips were offered. • 1,000 ice cream bars were handed out. • 7,000 blue and green pompoms were distributed to celebrate the 5K spirit. • More than 1,200 bagels were eaten. Family and friends came out to honor the legacy of Robert and David Moyle, two brothers from Pompton Lakes who died 14 months apart. Each gave the gift of tissue to help others. Tissue donations enhance life in many ways. The donations can provide corneas for the blind, help burn victims, and provide bone for cancer patients, for example.

• 1,000 sausage and pepper sandwiches were enjoyed. • nearly 2,000 photographs were taken by staff and volunteers, not to mention the countless smartphone selfies!

Betsy’s Dash honors the legacy of Betsy Niles, who died in a pedestrian accident. Since 2011, the team has raised more than $50,000 to advance the mission and honor Betsy’s gifts to save others. Betsy was a children’s book editor from Montclair. Pictured far right is Betsy Niles' daughter, Alexandra Niles, who placed first in the women's 5K race.

“In the Spirit of Anthony Rizzo” remembers Anthony Rizzo, a 16-year-old who died crossing the street on his way to school. The team has reached the $50,000 cumulative mark in 5K fundraising, a tribute to Anthony and his spirit of generosity. “The decision to donate Anthony’s organs was difficult, but Anthony was so giving and so loving that organ and tissue donation was inevitable,” his mom, Suzann Rizzo, said.

Betsy’s Dash team captain Alexandra Niles races to the finish.

Joe Roth, President and CEO of the NJ Sharing Network, is continually inspired by the passion volunteers bring to the NJ Sharing Network mission. He is pictured on the right along with John Longo and his daughter, Kelsea, who are donor family members and NJSN volunteers. “The volunteers are the ones who energize all of us and keep our goals front and center,” Joe said.

Z-100 Radio Personality Greg T motivated runners.

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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Thank you to our Top Individual Fundraisers and everyone who helped raise more than $800,000! Top 10 Fundraisers $5,000+ Kristina Dayback $19,510 Alexandra niles $12,090 Charlotte Bashforth $11,525 Alexandra Ciccone $10,934 Alyssa D’Addio $10,022 Max Prince $9,563 Yvonne Payne $7,826 Suzann Rizzo $7,750 Valerie Monroe Kloss $5,970 Jennifer Jova $5,435

$2,500 - $4,999 nicole Alicea Howard Bernstein Larry Bogush Clare Bowles Chris Camerino Maureen Compton Stacy Donenfeld Anli Du Gail Duane Dorothea Duffy Mark Feldstein Randi Geffner Gard Krause John Longo Tina McCabe Elisa navarro Ronald Oswick Karen Panka nick Paradise Mollie Rubinstein Bernard Simon Cheryl Wolf

$1,000 - $2,499 Donna Albanese Lindsay Bangel Adele BenAry Diane Bernstein Mike Bialko Lawrence Bologna Patricia Bongiovi Cindy Chandler Christine Columbo Joanne Corniola Isabel de León Joan DiMeo Pammy Drozd Helene Dujardin Sue Evans Kathy Farrell Patricia Fitzgerald Karen Flannery

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Andrew Fonseca Megan Grace David Gregory Colleen Hanretty Paul Kieltyka John-Michael Kiernan Ali Kogen Sari Krantz Barbara Kuzminski Maria Lopes Romelle Lysenko Kristin M. Mingione Sharan Mirchandani Desiree Mitchell Kevin Moloney nick Montano Alison Moor Casey O’Brien Michael Ochotorena Susan Olszewski Adena Osband E. Denise Peoples Grace Piccini Anthony Pizzutillo Lisa Plona Karen Praschil nehal Ramchandani Peter Rooney Joseph Roth Daniel Sarnowski Matthew Schutz Jamie Siegrist Dana Sutkowski Steven Sutkowski Greg T David Thomson Rob Van Etten George VanBuskirk Dina Venezia

$500 - $999 Michael Amato Janet Amiro Alyson Angstreich Marla Bace Mara Barlow Yvette Bermudez nancy Bird Maureen Bocknack Stephen Bond-nelson Trish Bortone Donna Brazina Michelle Brugger Amy Buckiewicz Jane Buckiewicz Karen Celleri

Katrina Charles-Findlay Lou Chiorazzi Michelle Clausen William Compton Dawn-Marie Dalsass Jamie D’Angelo J. D. de León Theresa de León Lucia Dinapoli Patti DiSanto noah Doshna April Doyle Tycene Edd Kevin Engelke Caitlin English Lisa Fama Madelyn Fama Patricia Flavin Lisa Frazee Christine Fugger Diana Grossman Brooke Hartrum Karen Hernandez Rajesh Karnani Tom Kelly Cinthia Kerstein Cessy Kurland Charles Laible Eric Laible Kristi Lennon Molly Lenz Janet Luce Thomas Ludlum Jacqueline Lue Raia Regina Lynn Katie Mccluney Diana McGroarty Katty Mercado Lisa Meyers Daniel Midwinter Camilla Morch Colleen Moyle Tara Murphy Dee nelson Julie nelson Joanie O’Leary Missy Peck Deanna Pecora nancy Peet Gene Pepe Maria Perez Derek Piccini Scott Regan William Reitsma Carole-Anne Rodriguez Craig Rothenberg

Emma Rothman Peter Rudy Chris Ruymen Sharon Salerno Jaime Scher Eileen Schwalb Tracey Sharpe Peggy Simurra Kathryn Smith Grant Thomson Greg Thomson Carolyn Welsh Rosa Williams Madeline Wilson Cameron Yozzo

$250 - $499 Brian Allain Maureen Alvidrez Greg Amiro Christine Archer Kiran Arora Kim Atno Lucia Aurello-Beauchamp Sangeeta Badlani Jo-Ann Bandomer Katia Barragan Jackie Bauer Lynn Beattie Miriam Beauchamp Marlene Bedford Deb Belfatto Julia Bell Dennis Bird Max Birrer Dominick Bongiovi Mary Borquist Patricia Boyce Rich Brattole Janice Brooks Janice Campbell Cathy Carey Kimberly Cassidy Christina Ciccone Greta Clausen Brian Cloonan Doug Cox Maureen Crosbie Gerard Crosbie Catherine Crosbie Geraldine Cruz

Maria Dantas Pam Deliso Robert Denholtz Fatima Dennis Jill Doherty Gerald Doherty Tammy Drennan Jessica Dunne Lisa Duyckinck Geraldine Entrup Tracy Esposito John Farmer Linda Farmer Matthew Felix Mary Louise Fessel Aly Finkelstein Lenore Ford Louise Fox Jim Frain Anisa Gandhi Aggie Garibaldi Bonnie Gildea Renee Goldsmith Tara Goldsmith nadine Gonzalez Isis Gonzalez Marian Greenfield Mary Grennen Derlys Gutierrez Bernice Hairston Kurt Heinrich John Hughes Tom Hunt Helen Hunter Sarah Hymowitz Lori Iannia Arlene Inglis Patti Jackson Karyn Jaramillo Jennifer Johe Sara Jones Gaurang Kalsaria AnneMarie Keegan Justine Kennedy Lauren Kieltyka Cindy Kyryczenko Elissa Levi Unger Marian Lordi Sandra Lue Michael Malinowski Betty Manetta

Sharon Mayer Karen Mccann Laura McCloskey Kristine McGrath Sandra McPherson-Gichie Rose Ann Melendez Jennifer Melione Drew Midwinter Samantha Midwinter Robert Milne Mark Moncman Carolyn Moyle David Murawski Colleen Murphy Daniel nelson Agnes O’Hara Kelly O’Hara Jennifer O’Keefe Ron O’neil Connie Palmer Erika Palumbo Dominick Piccini Tanya Piccini Allison Pini Jillian Pizzi Rishi Ramchandani Leslie Roberts Dana Robin Jacqueline Robinson Linda Rubinstein Murphy Samson Theresa Semple Joan Shea Kristen Silberstein Leah Skidmore Lori Smith Lydia Stockman Michael Stonehouse Christina Strong Joan Sutkowski Sarah Switek Christine Tenore Sarah Torres Stephen Tucciarone nina Turton Amy VanBuskirk Alex Ventura Wayne Wagner Adriene Zepka Marlene Zwerin

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Way to Go 2014 Top Teams Top 10 Teams - $7,500+

Silver Sponsors

Team Courtney Betsy’s Dash Just Do It in Celebration of Joe D’Addio Team Joe Joe Max’s Mitzvah Movers Team Martial Arts for Life Sammi Girl - She Lives In Me In The Spirit of Anthony Rizzo One Love for Brian Bernstein Miles for Maddie Riley’s Dance Team Andrew

$22,374.78 $15,416.00 $14,307.32 $14,070.00 $13,606.00 $12,605.52 $10,756.00 $9,330.00 $8,445.00 $8,320.00 $7,854.00 $7,840.00

$5,000 - $7,499

Bronze Sponsors Adams Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC CarePoint Health The Condon Family Eastwick College and the HoHoKus Schools The Geffner Family Genentech Hampshire Real Estate Companies Jaffe Campbell Communications Loran Associates, Inc. Lourdes Health System McCabe Ambulance and EMS Meridian Health

new Jersey Association of School Resource Officers Provident Bank Foundation Quest Diagnostics Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Saenz Contractors Saint Clare’s Health System Sanford-Brown Institute Taylor Rental Center – Berkeley Heights Trinitas Regional Medical Center University Hospital Liver Center The Valley Hospital William H. Connolly & Co., LLC

5K Steering Committee Donna Albanese-DeMair, Co-Chair Dan Sarnowski, Co-Chair Amanda Abramo Katherine Aitchison Joaquin Arisso Mara Barlow Maureen Bocknack Michelle Brugger Alberta D’Addio Alyssa D’Addio Lernard Freeman Marty Frumkin Randi Geffner

Elisse Glennon Fred Goerlitz Jan Hines Veronica Horvath Jennifer Jova John Keating Philip S. Kolm Helen LaCarrubba Tom Ludlum, Esq. Jacqueline Lue Raia Doug Marvin

Capt. Wayne Maurer Steven Monteleone Christina Perez Debbie Prince Enedia Rebyak Suzann Rizzo Alida Sandoval Bernard Simon Barbara Turci John Valentine

Refreshment Contributors A&P Supermarket (new Providence) Apple Spice Junction Bernards Café Beyond Delicious Coppola Restaurant & Pizzeria Daham’s Bagel and Deli

Dunkin Donuts (new Providence) Frito-Lay, Inc. Herr Foods Inc. Old Glory Restaurant Prestige Diner Providence Liquors

Schripps European Bread Shoprite Village Supermarkets Starbucks (new Providence) Tables for Two Walgreens Infusion Services

Biff’s Gifts Jellybean’s Rainbow (in memory of Lisa A. Hulbert) nJ Sharing network Team Papa Tony’s Team Second Chance Team Buck Team David - With a Smile in our Hearts! TEAM DOROTHEA Team HOPE Team Kevin Gilbert Team MARYAnn Team Thomson Valley Life Savers Val’s Pals

$2,500 - $4,999 Anthony’s Angels A-Team Cathy’s Rainbow Connection DaVita Stars Emma’s Heart Gift of Life Hearts for Emma “I AM DROZD!” JP Morgan Sharing Friends Linda’s Home Team Live Like BJ Marlboro High School Donate Life Club novartis Team 2014 nu Heights Pop-pop’s Team Remembering Robin Save David Team 360 Team Barnabas Team Dave - Always in Our Hearts Team De Leon Team Evan Team Flemington Team Geffner Team Infineum TEAM JERRY Team Kyle G Team MTF Team Robert Cameron Plona (RCP) Team Romeo Delta Force Team RWJ Team Stevie B Team Wiss Walkin for Weezie

$1,000 - $2,499 Alpha Omega AOK Artie’s Partie Be Like Keith

Brighton Cromwell Bru Crew Connolly Crusader’s Dana’s Liver Lizards EDP Breathin’ Ezy Gina’s Lil Gypsy 5K walk 2014 Hunterdon Heart Throbs It’s Johnny Time JCMC Walks 4 Life Jillian nicole Moor Kidney Kids Kristen’s Crusaders Love Life Maria Livia DiMeo nP Chinese Family and Friends Ogilvy CommonHealth Pioneers for EB Po-Po’s Peeps Raritan Valley Chapter Links/ Quibbletown Middle School Team Rekindle Life Rhat Pack Richie’s Racers Rob’s Team Roy’s Smile Share Your Spare Shine on Sean SICU Saves Lives STOP For nikhil Team A. Williams Team Awesome! Team Bischoff Team Breathe Better Team Brian TEAM BUTTERFLY Team Castro Team DQ Team Elliot Team Eric Team Gene Team Greg T Z100 Team Greta Team Jamie B. Team Joey TEAM JOnATHOn Team Joyce Team Karma Team Kidney Bean TEAM LIBERTY Team Moyle Team One Love TEAM PATRICK Team Rey Rey Team SCK Team Scott TEAM SHAUn OB Team Summit Team Susie Team Tick Team Tinman Team Tippy Team Venezia Thanks to Donnie!!! The Mitchell Family Tim’s Rangers University Hospital Gratefuls Wesley Walkers

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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LT. G O V E R n O R K I M G UA DAG n O,

Championing our Life-Saving

Mission Organ Donation Connects So Many It’s just another “circle of life” in the world of organ and tissue donation — showing that nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been saved or enhanced by the gift of organ and tissue donation. Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno recently visited NJ Sharing Network in New Providence and saw a friendly face from the earliest days of her legal career. It was the face of Bruce Goldstein, the vice chair of the NJ Sharing Network Board of Trustees. The two once opposed each other on a case and knew each other from legal circles. But

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they had not seen each other in years. “The lieutenant governor said to me, ‘What are you doing here Bruce?’ I told her I had a heart transplant in 2005 and I am here today because of the generosity of my donor… It was very emotional,” Bruce recalled. The lieutenant governor embraced him upon realizing the connection, noting the number of people throughout New Jersey touched by organ and tissue donation. “What a unique story that is for us today,” she said of learning Bruce’s story. The lieutenant governor said she has been a champion of the organization’s mission. Her commitment was strengthened by her visit and conversations with organ recipients and donor family members. She listened to the story of Bonnie Evans, also a member of NJ Sharing Network’s Board of Trustees. Bonnie’s brother died five years ago

after a fall. Bonnie remembers the kindness and compassion NJ Sharing Network showed her and her family in the days and weeks following the tragedy and donation. “I was able to experience solace knowing my brother’s generosity helped others, including giving the gift of sight to another person,” she told the lieutenant governor. Bonnie later said the lieutenant governor’s pledge of support for NJ Sharing Network will help inspire others to support the life-enhancing and life-saving mission. After meeting with Bruce and Bonnie, the lieutenant governor toured NJ Sharing Network’s state-of-the art laboratory, directed by Dr. Prakash Rao, Vice President of Diagnostic & Research Operations and Director of the Transplant Laboratory for NJ Sharing Network. The laboratory matches the organs to the right recipients, and continually researches ways to increase the number of viable organs available for transplant. She also met with NJ Sharing Network employees, including those whose job requires them to reach out to families of people recently deceased to offer the option of organ and tissue donation. The lieutenant governor then experienced the “Quilts of Love” display, where 31 quilts

include tributes to lives touched by organ and tissue donation. Each square stitched into the quilts include a photo, poem or loving tribute honoring the legacy of someone touched by NJ Sharing Network’s mission. After her tour, the lieutenant governor addressed NJ Sharing Network staff, volunteers and supporters, delivering a poignant speech about the need for more organs. “I am truly honored to be here today to recognize all that your organization does to save lives through organ and tissue donation here in the Garden State,” she said. “It has been a privilege to meet those whose lives have been saved by an organ transplant. And the families of organ and tissue donors, they are our true heroes.” The lieutenant governor thanked those present for their efforts to encourage more people to become registered organ donors. She thanked the employees of NJ Sharing Network for all they do to save lives, and she especially noted the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families. She accepted a package of sunflower seeds from Alberta D’Addio, secretary of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. The seeds symbolize the way one seed creates new life and can spread the message of hope.

Alberta, whose husband, Joe, was an organ donor, also delivered a heartfelt letter to the lieutenant governor, which she read to the audience. It said, in part: “NJ Sharing Network has been a place of healing for me, and my daughter, Alyssa. We are one of the many families who have lost someone we loved, but who find peace in knowing our loved ones have helped others with the gifts they left behind.” NJ Sharing Network President & CEO Joe Roth listened to the lieutenant governor and later reflected on her talk, as well as her connection with Bruce Goldstein. “A lot of people may think they have no connection to organ and tissue donation,” Joe said. “But then they find out a loved one had a heart valve operation or ACL surgery that required donor tissue. Or someone they know received the gift of sight from a cornea transplant.

our mission,” he added. Bruce agreed, noting that organ and tissue donation is a mission that connects people. “When it comes to organ donation, we are all connected,” he said. “There are no divisions. No ethnic, economic, political or racial divisions. It’s about life and sharing and turning tragic events into life-saving events. It is about miracles. I know because I am one.” The lieutenant governor said she was thankful to all the people in the room for the work they do every day. She said she wants to continue to help and — to show her commitment — she offered something government officials rarely share: her personal cell phone number for those who wanted to keep in contact. “I am not here just for today,” she said.

“They may know a co-worker who received a kidney transplant, or maybe they recall a neighborhood family that responded with generosity after a tragedy, giving the gift of life to others. If people look closely enough they may see their own personal connections to www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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Team Liberty Returns from Transplant Games with Medals Anyone who doubts the magic of organ donation — allowing people to once again live strong and healthy lives — should spend some time at the Donate Life Transplant Games of America. They will watch organ transplant recipients dash down the track, swim across the pool, drive the basketball down the court or hit a golf ball far across the fairway. At this year’s games, Team Liberty, comprising more than 90 people from the tri-state area, traveled to the games in Houston, where they racked up gold, silver and bronze medals. The multi-sport festival highlights the crit-

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ical importance of organ and tissue donation. The games honor those who gave the gift of life; they also celebrate those who received a second chance at life. Donor families, living donors, recipients and supporters all come together at the games. “The games are not just about winning medals,” said Victor DiSanto, a co-manager of Team Liberty and the father of a college student, Joe, who received a life-saving heart transplant at the age of 11. “It’s about raising awareness of the success of organ donation and about the need to have more people register to become donors, and to honor our donors and

their families.” The DiSanto family was among the New Jersey contingent on Team Liberty, a program of NJ Sharing Network. This year Team Liberty sponsored the family of Marc DiNardo, a Jersey City police detective who became an organ donor after he was killed in the line of duty five years ago. His wife, Mary, their three children, and Marc’s mother, Maria, cheered on Team Liberty in Houston. “The DiNardo family was a constant presence. They even wore liberty crowns and liberty sunglasses,” Victor said. A tribute honoring Detective DiNardo took place during opening ceremonies in the 15,000 seat stadium used for the games. Mary said the family was honored to join Team Liberty. At a recent ceremony at NJ Sharing Network, the DiSanto family and others at the transplant games presented Mary and her family with a Donate Life Transplant Game Gold Medal. “The DiNardo family is truly a part of Team Liberty,” said Mike Strusiak, a pancreas and kidney transplant recipient who honored his donor, Kristen O’Hara, during opening ceremonies. With Mike and Mary participating, the opening ceremonies had a powerful New Jersey focus. “The games showed how organ donation truly saves lives. It’s the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.”

— and So Much More Ceremony Honors Jersey City Detective on 5th Anniversary of His Gift Mary DiNardo knows the heart that fell in love with her still beats. Her husband, Jersey City Police Detective Marc DiNardo — the love of her life — died in the line of duty in 2009. His organs were donated to save three other people, including Don Zolkiwsky, a Vietnam veteran from South Plainfield. Don is grateful for his second chance at life and feels a strong sense of connection with the police detective he never knew. The two, surrounded by their families, including the three DiNardo children, recently shared their stories in a solemn ceremony at NJ Sharing Network headquarters to mark five years since Detective DiNardo’s organs saved others. The ceremony honored Detective DiNardo’s life and the gift of life he gave others. “Marc was a husband, a son, a father, a brother and a friend. In the days since his death we have made so many friends who have

become our new family. Today should have been Marc’s 42nd birthday, but instead he will be forever 37 years old,” Mary told those gathered for the ceremony. Mary also talked about Legacy of Heroes, a partnership that began as a tribute to her husband and other first responders who continue to save lives, even in death, by becoming organ and tissue donors. Today she speaks to first responders and recruitment classes and hopes her husband’s story will inspire them to make the same selfless decision that he made. In an emotional presentation, Don described his time in the heart unit at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the day he learned a heart was available for him. “I kept wondering who my donor was. I had no idea how he died. All I was told was

that he was a 37-year-old male,” Don said. He described his surgery and recovery and how he began to learn more about his donor. The two, it turns out, had many similarities and Don believes the two would have been fast friends. “Having someone else’s heart beating in your chest is humbling. Though I never knew Detective DiNardo, I have a sense of his spirit with me every single day,” Don said. “Without his gift I know I would not be here today.”

www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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SOCIAL

Two big names from New Jersey, US Senator Cory Booker and NJ Sharing Network President and CEO Joe Roth, chatted on Capitol Hill during the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations' Advocacy Day in Washington DC.

Joe Roth, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, met with some of the top 5K fundraising team captains during “Breakfast with Joe� to discuss the state of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

The Power of One One sunflower seed has the potential to bloom, grow and create countless other seeds. So too does the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Special thanks to all who have planted the special NJ Sharing Network sunflower seeds and for sending us photos. Your photos remind us of the power of one. To request a sunflower seed packet of your own, contact John Keating at jkeating@njsharingnetwork.org.

Submitted by Sandy Erwin Submitted by Jim Kirkos

Submitted by the Longo family Submitted by the Compton family

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Inaugural nJ Sharing network Team in Gran Fondo Cycles for Life In September, Team nJ Sharing network participated in its inaugural cycling event. With more than 50 members representing organ and tissue donation, it was the largest team at the Gran Fondo. A huge thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, novartis, as well as our other Team Sponsors: Landmark Dividend, Jeffrey Sobel Consulting, Summit Medical Group, Village ShopRite Supermarkets, Saenz Contractors Inc, Team Liberty and new Providence Chiropractic.

Team NJ Sharing Network

Cheryl Cohen of Chesterfield, captain of Team nJ Sharing network, has a special connection to nJ Sharing network and is an avid cyclist. Her brother had a heart transplant eight years ago, and she loves to ride. “nJ Sharing network is an organization so near and dear to my heart,” Cheryl said. “Anything we can do to support such a worthy cause is well worth it. And the more riders we have, the more enjoyable it is.” For more information about joining nJ Sharing network’s cycling team, contact Jackie Lue Raia at jlueraia@njsharingnetwork.org or 908-516-5686. Dharmesh Patel and Greg Amiro from the team’s presenting sponsor, Novartis. Cohen’s Crew

Meet the Mets — and Spread Life-Saving Message August 29 was nJ Sharing network night for Donor Awareness at Citi Field. Transplant recipients, donor families, volunteers and staff were there to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation as the Mets took on the Phillies. Special thanks to the nJ Sharing network Employee Giving Campaign for sponsoring this event.

Mr. Pumps befriended Mr. Met as the two discussed organ donation, baseball and whatever else consumes mascots’ lives.

Above: The NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board was there to cheer on Joe Roth, who was interviewed in between innings.

Left: New York Mets Hall of Famer, Mookie Wilson, stopped by to take pictures and sign autographs.

To see more pictures from our events, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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SOCIAL

Jan Hines, NJ Sharing Network’s Manager of Hospital Services, sat down with award-winning TV host, Steve Adubato, Jr., to talk about her personal connection to organ donation and her role with our hospital partners.

Thank you to Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide for its sponsorship and continued partnership. Pictured is Elisse Glennon; executive director of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, Matt Giegerich; Chairman & CEO at Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide; Peter Rooney, Chair of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, and Joe Roth, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, during a recent visit to NJ Sharing Network Headquarters.

Donate Life Around the World Will you be traveling or spending time with friends and family? Don’t forget to call 908-516-5400 to get your own Donate Life/nJ Sharing network banner to bring along so you can submit your photo for our “Donate Life Around the World” campaign! So strike a pose and post it on our Facebook page.

Michele Lawson and her son, Matthew, bring our life-saving message to beautiful Niagara Falls. Michele's father received two liver transplants and is doing great.

Missy Peck traveled inside the ancient Nabataean city of Petra in Jordan. Check out the camel in the background!

The Deptford Township Fire Department honors their fallen brother, Gary Moore Jr., who gave the gift of life.

Foundation Board Member JD de Leon with his family in Panama.

Here is volunteer Max Prince, bringing our life-saving message to the Equator in Ecuador - the middle of the world! An interesting fact about Ecuador: Drivers must check the box on their licenses if they do NOT want to register as an organ and tissue donor.

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Marlon Aviador on scenic Rt. 163 near Monument Valley. You might recognize it because this is the place where Forrest Gump stopped running.

Donate Life Month/Blue & Green Day nJ Sharing network once again celebrated Donate Life Month in April – a time to honor the generosity of organ and tissue donors and to support their families. On Blue & Green Day, supporters wore green shirts and blue hats and green wristbands and blue jewelry – and a multitude of other combinations. The day was ideal to raise awareness about the need for life-saving organs and to encourage more people to register to be organ donors. nJ Sharing network also sent blue and green coffee mugs to news 12 new Jersey, which prominently displayed them on the set to mark the day.

Blue and Green Day Winners! 1st Place: Team Savanna's Stars (above) rocking blue and green! They are celebrating the memory of a beautiful 2 year old girl, who saved three other children as an organ donor 2nd Place: Linda Rubinstein (left) of Linda's Home Team, 2 1/2 years following her kidney transplant, celebrating Donate Life Month! 3rd Place: Barnabas Health - Community Medical Center reminding passer-bys that it is Blue & Green Day

Motor Vehicle Commission Partnership

Freehold Motor Vehicle Agency

In 2013, Raymond P. Martinez, chair and chief administrator of the new Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, traveled more than 1,000 miles to visit 39 motor vehicle agencies during Donate Life Month. Many thanks to Chief Martinez for taking time out his busy schedule in 2014 once again to celebrate national Donate Life Month. Chief Martinez visited many motor vehicle agencies again this year to personally thank his team for encouraging customers to register as organ and tissue donors. He is extremely passionate about his role as leader of an organization that drives so many to say “yes” to being registered as organ and tissue donors.

Second Annual Volunteer Conference & 5K Kick-Off Volunteers were celebrated, recharged and challenged at the annual volunteer conference, held in Woodbridge on April 12. It was an inspirational day of events, with a sea of blue and green pompoms and opportunities for volunteers to reconnect and build new relationships. There were also plenty of informative sessions: a one-stop event to learn about the many facets of nJ Sharing network.

Patti Jackson, a donor mom, with her baby, Zayne, and son, Ameer. Patti’s daughter Zoe gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Elisse Glennon, executive director of the nJ Sharing network Foundation, congratulated volunteers for increasing the percentage of new Jersey drivers who checked “yes” to organ donation when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. Donor families and recipients were honored at the event. It was a memorable day for volunteers, who kicked off the 4th Annual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race, held June 8.

To see more pictures from our events, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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FOUNDATION

news

Giving Advances Mission to Save Lives

The NJ Sharing Network Foundation advances the mission to save and enhance lives by funding grants that support clinical and laboratory research, donor family programs, and education and awareness efforts. Here are examples of programs funded by recent grants: Clinical Advancement and Research • Advanced technical training for NJ Sharing Network transplant coordinators, family support and clinical staff. • Educational programs for nurses, physicians and other key hospital staff. • Three-year study in the molecular immunology of clinical organ transplantation at our state of the art laboratory.

Supporting Families • Organ and tissue donor memorials established at local hospitals. • Shawls provided to donor families handmade by volunteers as a tangible expression of comfort and compassion. • Crisis funds available for new transplant recipients and those patients waiting. • Sponsoring a pediatric transplant recipient to attend Kidney Camp.

Public Education • High school and college education programs.

• Exhibit on organ and tissue donation and transplantation at Liberty Science Center. • Publication of a children’s book that tells the story of a little girl who gave the gift of life through organ donation (English and Spanish).

Scholarships • Given to high school seniors entering college whose life has been impacted by organ and tissue donation.

Awareness and Outreach • 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race held annually in June. • Team Liberty represents NJ/NY/CT at the Transplant Games of America. • Donor Families and Recipients are honored on the Donate Life Float at the Rose Parade in Pasadena CA. • Donate Life Month activities and programs throughout April.

Children’s Book on Organ Donation Soon Available in Spanish A Spanish version of Lily’s Laces, a children’s book written by New Providence author Rebecca Pearlman Coniglio, is to be released this fall. The book is being graciously translated by Ezequiel Garcia of Newark, a volunteer and the father of an organ donor, Reinaldo, who died in a motorcycle accident. “Lily's Laces” follows the story of Coniglio's real-life daughter Lily, who watched thousands of runners race past her New Providence home for the First Annual NJ Sharing Network 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race in 2011. Four-year-old Lily was out with pompoms cheering on the runners. During the next three years, Lily learned more about the race and eventually she and her family and friends participated in the annual event as part of “Team Lily’s Laces.” This Spanish edition is funded by a grant from the Joseph D’Addio Family Fund, in celebration of organ and tissue donor Joe D’Addio.

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Quilts of Love adorn the hallways of NJ Sharing Network in remembrance of those who gave the greatest gift.

Riley’s Dance (pictured here at the 4th Annual 5K), the first family fund of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, honors the memory of Riley Kogen by providing crisis funding for transplant patients and their families.

new Providence Grad Wins Scholarship A recent graduate of New Providence High School, who received a cornea transplant and then became a certified volunteer ambassador for NJ Sharing Network, has won the Benjamin R. Chirls Scholarship, provided by the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. In a ceremony at NJ Sharing Network in front of the full staff, the $4,000 scholarship was handed to Brian Mansfield, 18, who is beginning his freshman year at the University of Richmond to study business administration. Presented annually to an organ, tissue or eye donor, transplant recipient, donor family member or awareness advocate, the Benjamin

R. Chirls Scholarship is named in memory of Benjamin Chirls, a kidney recipient and strong advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation. Benjamin worked tirelessly for many years, ignoring physical limitations and disabilities to bring the message of donation to individuals throughout New Jersey as a volunteer for NJ Sharing Network. Brian’s scholarship essay focused on a rare eye disease he was stricken with in May 2012, with light sensitivity so strong that he couldn’t even look at his cell phone. Brian spent most of his time in a darkened basement. He could not attend school or play sports and, as the disease progressed, he required an emergency corneal transplant to save his left eye. “Through it all, school was always a top priority for me,” he said. “And despite all these challenges, I finished my junior year on time while receiving straight A’s.”

nJ Sharing network Supporters are Great Oak Awards Finalists Three of our dedicated supporters are finalists in the New Jersey Monthly Great Oak Awards, a program to honor the state’s most generous companies. Dairy Queen of Plainfield, Village ShopRite Supermarkets and Investors Bank — all longtime and generous supporters of NJ Sharing Network — are finalists for the awards. The magazine said the companies are pillars in their communities and deeply rooted in New Jersey. They give back to in unique and impressive ways. The companies range from small business to the largest giants in the fields of banking and pharmaceuticals.

Foundation Sponsors Donor Family, Recipient to Tell ‘never Ending Story’ at 2015 Rose Parade Float The NJ Sharing Network Foundation is proud to sponsor a donor family and a transplant recipient to be part of next year’s Donate Life Rose Parade Float. The theme of the float is “The Never Ending Story.” The Mercado family of Paterson will travel to Pasadena to honor Melissa Bena Mercado, who gave the gift of life at the age of six weeks. A floragraph of Melissa will join the floragraphs of other organ and tissue donors on the float at the 2015 Tournament of Roses Parade. Floragraphs are pictures of donors created with seeds, flowers and other natural materials. Joe DiSanto of Hillsborough, who received a heart transplant at the age of 11, will be among the transplant recipients riding on the float. Now a college student, Joe and the others on the float will exemplify how organ donation truly saves lives. The dollars raised by the NJ Sharing Network Foundation fund research as well as efforts, such as sponsoring families to join the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, that spread the lifesaving message. Hundreds of thousands of spectators view the Donate Life float on the parade route and millions more will watch on national television. The float honors donors and celebrates the second chance at life for recipients. www.nJSharingnetwork.org

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We graciously acknowledge

TRIBUTE GIFTS January 1 - June 30, 2014

Individual gifts made through our fundraising events are acknowledged throughout the year. We sincerely regret any errors or omissions. In Memory of Mark Abrams The Mallon Family Ms. Pam Rayvid In Memory of Jack Althoff Ms. Helen Donohue In Memory of Keith Amato Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dippolito In Memory of Enrico Antonelli Robert and Barbara Britton Ms. Maria Mangino Ms. Donna Zolnier-Lande In Memory of Gerardo Ascolese Mr. and Mrs. Dean DiAlfonso In Memory of Nikhil Badlani Mr. Anil Chhugani In Memory of Rick Bartlett Mrs. nancy H. Felix In Honor of Ronald A. Bennett Geraldine A. Dell’Aquila In Memory of Eric Berlin Mrs. Teresa L. Covello In Support of Howard Bernstein Mr. Shayne Ackerl In Memory of John Betihavas Geraldine A. Dell’Aquila In Honor of David Bird Ms. Virgina Fleming In Memory of Ted Blew, Jr. Ms. Terri Blew James n. and Dina W. Bowers The Cahill Family Ms. Margaret Case Clarke Caton Hintz, PC Dr. Fuhrman Online, Inc. Embassy Bank Ms. norma Finn Franklin Township Good Harvest Cooperative Eric and Shirley Hammesfahr Maurice and Lora Jones David and Paula Kanach Mr. Richard Klevze Hank and Joan Klumpp Ms. Barbara Knaub Matthew and Meropi Martini Geoffrey and Stacey Michalski Migliorelli Farm, LLC Mr. Alfred Milanese Olde Barn Gun Club Mr. and Mrs. David Petersen Mr. John Peterson, Jr. Steven and Barbara Phillips Steven J. Picco, Esq. Rural Awareness Inc SEEDWAY, LLC

Alex Sharpe and Mark O’Leary Mr. and Mrs. Rawson W. Wyant In Memory of Angela Bongiovi Dominick and Patricia Bongiovi Ms. Debra Stevko Miller In Memory of Dominick Bongiovi Ms. Denise DiComo Ms. Emily Karl Debbie Lauria and Paul Gubernat & Family Matecki’s Auto Center LLC Mr. and Mrs. James Stone Student Life Ms. Donna Tranchida In Memory of Nathan F. Brown Sr. Ms. Waunita Scott In Memory of Duane Burlew Ms. Stephanie Barlow In Memory of Nancy D. Byran Bonhamtown Senior Club Ms. Wanda Shirley Ms. nora M. Van Bree In Memory of Edward William Byron, III Wayne and noreen Sokol In Memory of Mildred Caffrey Mr. John Sedlock and Ms. Alicia Wood In Memory of Evelyn Amanda Caljean Thomas and Marilyn Burk Your Friends in Advancement & Planning at County College In Memory of Eric Caposele Mrs. Kim Atno In Memory of Sandra Carbone Mr. Robert Carbone n.A.R.F.E. north Hudson Chapter 201 In Memory of Ryan Casper Ms. Helen Donohue In Memory of Howard Cohen network For Good In Honor of Carmella Conca Anthony and Mary Matejczyk In Memory of Stephen Coopersmith Burton and Sandra Hoffner In Honor of Alyshia Rae Cunningham Futchko Ms. Ruth Poskitt In Memory of Richard Michael DeFilippis Ms. Kathleen G. DeFilippis In Memory of Arthur L. Del Preore Ms. Stephanie Del Preore In Memory of Frank P. Dell’Aquila, MD Geraldine A. Dell’Aquila In Memory of James G. Dempsey Mr. Gary Bruno

Ms. Lillian Catena Yvonne, Chris and Gerrie Dempsey Michael and Joyce O’Gorman Leo and nancy Parks Robert and Judith Riley Roxbury Republican County Committee Brian and Patricia Shanley Summit Risk Management, Inc. Ms. Kay E. Van ness Ms. Cindy S. Vansickles In Honor of Steven Denholtz and Lisa Maultasch nancy Denholtz, Sheldon Melnitsky and Marcia Denholtz In Memory of June Desimone Winfield S. Anderson and Sheila Kelly In Memory of Judi Melillo-Dethloff Mary and Frank Melillo In Honor of Michael DiPiano Barnabas Health D'Arcy Johnson Day Mr. Stephen C. Fox Gemini Restoration Inc Jag Physical Therapy Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lazarus Milano Foundation Inc. Abbot Melvin J. Valvano, OSB In Memory of Sarah Doshna Ms. Vivian Doshna Ms. Marcie Ingber In Memory of Norman A. Doyle, Jr. Ms. Alexa Arce Mrs. Kathleen Astrella Dr. Cynthia Baumgartner Mrs. Diane Beard Mr. Bryan Billig Ken and Diane Bower Mr. Brendan J. Brown Hubert and Claire Brown Ms. Joann Carratura Albano and Maria Fernanda De Castro Mrs. Julia Dreisbach Mr. Richard J. Ferraioli William and Virginia Govel Ms. Lori D. Grant Mr. George Harris John J. Giblin Association Kearny Museum Committee Michael and Susan Koval Mrs. Alice Kozimor Gillet Ms. Cecilia Lindenfelser Laurence and Susan Mach The Marinari Family Ms. Lynne Mason 4 Seasons Classmates

River Terminal Development Robert and Gloria Spence James A. Svec and Barbara Condon Ms. Patricia F. Tully and Ms. Jaqueline Somma Mr. James Tutak United Irish Association of West Hudson Inc. West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. In Memory of Michael Drozd Mr. Michael Stevens In Support of Dorothea Duffy Ms. Kathleen Warner In Memory of Matthew Edinger Ms. Michelle Edinger Strong In Memory of Jerome Eisler Barry and Charlotte newman In Memory of Ryan A. Engelke Ms. Rosemarie Buckley Ms. Charlotte Ryan In Memory of Doris Esposito Ms. Annmarie J. Ahimovic Ms. Cathleen Trivelpiece In Memory of Frances N. Farber Essex Vicinage Superior Court In Memory of Ronald Feldman Ms. Elaine Eisenberg Sheldon and Barbara Preville In Memory of Michael Storm Fischer Mrs. Mary Ann Fischer Mr. Mark A. Loeper In Memory of Noreen Fleischman Ms. naomi H. Barnett In Support of Louise Fox Anonymous In Memory of James Gallagher Gentle Shepherd Book Club Ms. Mary Scaturro In Memory of Robin Gentile Ray and Pat Gentile In Memory of John D. Gerard, Jr. Mr. Christopher Cuneo Mrs. Carol A. Gerard-Lynch In Memory of Kevin Gilbert Mr. nick Andreychak In Memory of David Gurland Gerald and Evelyn Gurland In Memory of Debbie Gutenplan Matthew and Cheryl Schutz In Memory of Matilde Gutierrez Barry and Charlotte newman In Memory of Ivy Hardy Dominick and Patricia Bongiovi In Memory of Mark Henderson

Honoring those who gave, paying tribute to those who received, offering hope to those 22

FALL 2014

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Henderson Ms. Patricia Meyer In Honor of Joanne Iuliucci Ms. Joy Lim In Memory of Dad, Michael and Peter James The Thomson Family In Memory of Grace B. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Rawson W. Wyant In Memory of William James Johnson, Sr. Mrs. Charlotte Johnson In Memory of Andrew Jova Jeff and Julie Downing Bruce and Lisa Greenstein Frederick and Linda noll In Memory of Matthew Klemchalk Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Sachs In Memory of Marvin Kurland Mr. Stephen H. Breitkopf In Memory of Evan Charles Laible Dominique, natalia and Elaina Voitek In Memory of Holly Beth Larsen Ms. Margaret Fallon In Memory of Rebecca “Becky” Larsen Ms. Margaret Fallon In Support of Roy Larsen Mr. David Rankert In Memory of Larry Liskovec Ms. Lillian Liskovec In Support of Mara Litman Ms. Therese Rodriguez In Memory of Victoria Longo Ms. Angela A. Arena Ms. norma V. Mazzucco In Honor of Kimberly M. Ludwig Ms. Cynthia J. Strauch In Honor of Jackie Lue Raia Mrs. Randi Geffner Dr. and Mrs. Mark Meyers In Memory of Brian Lynch Michael and Jennifer Cinquemane Mrs. Eileen Coghlan and Family Mrs. Rosemarie Fagan Dennis and Cathy Hammer Chic and Lorrie Jairdullo Joseph and Judith Kopchala Ms. Catherine Lees Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Lyons Mr. and Mrs. Mario J. Vitiello In Memory of Gerard Lynch Mrs. Carol A. Gerard-Lynch In Memory of Robert Lynch, Sr. Ms. Linda Maratea In Memory of Hugh MacDonald Ms. Laura Embrey In Memory of Michael Joseph Mangarella Alan and Sheri Heller Mrs. Laura Jarossi Randall and Karen Johnston The families of Michael Kahn, Steven Kahn and Miriam Kahn Ms. Rita Rubinstein In Memory of Dr. Michael D. Markowitz Mrs. Sharon W. Resnick

In Memory of Stanley McGinley Mrs. Theresa M. McGinley In Memory of Sherryl Meier Smith Richard and Virginia Meier In Memory of Edwin T. Mixtacki Stan and Candice Lewandoski In Memory of Joyce Mokrzycki Mrs. Rafiya Khan In Support of Kevin Moloney Ms. Alyona Bertneski Ms. Bethi Le In Memory of Jillian Nicole Moor William and Jane Beebe In Memory of Robert Moyle, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis In Honor of Ben Nachsin Mr. Jonas nachsin In Honor of Jonas and Marie Nachsin Earl and Elana Gordon In Honor of Dee Nelson Barbara and Dale newbury In Memory of Kevan Nelson Mrs. Althea nelson-Pretlow In Memory of Betsy Niles Mr. Adam Berkin Ms. Judith C. Detuncq James and Alice Riordan In Memory of Kristen O'Hara Ms. Agnes Hourihan In Memory of Mary Ann Oleszkiewicz Ms. Margaret Watt In Memory of Rhonda Olshewitz Mr. Mitchell Olshewitz In Honor of The Olszewski Family Mr. Andrew Stark In Support of Susan Olszweski Mr. Scott Horvath In Memory of Thomas "Tommy" O'Neill Ms. Sarah Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Bob McCarthy In Honor of Ron Oswick, Jr. The Wood Family In Honor of Ronald Oswick Ms. Dara Pescatore In Memory of Arthur Palew Mrs. Carol Fischer In Memory of Angelie J. Paredes Union City Board of Education In Memory of Catherine Pentz The Pentz Family David and Carol Suttles In Memory of Scott Peterson Margo Cunn, Ruth Gitlen and Families In Honor of Grace Piccini Mr. John Bussanich In Honor of Tanya Piccini Mr. Chuck A. Lugay In Honor of D. Shawn Pierson, MD The Greenberg Family In Memory of Rita Pisano Mrs. Marti Rothberg In Memory of Jennifer Piscopiello Ms. Eleanore B. Gold Joshua and Faye Jacobs nathaniel and Phyllis Shaw

Ms. Christine Sphar Ms. Carol Ann Vanuk Ms. Katherine Young In Memory of John Rake Ms. Shilpa Gadkari Ms. Ana Gregg Mr. and Mrs. Robert Havecker Ms. Laurel napolitani Ms. Angela Pagliaro In Memory of Melvin J. Raphael Donna Geffner and The Speech & ARG Center In Honor of James Rhatican Mrs. Lenora Luciano In Memory of Robert Roettger Ms. Carol A. Roettger In Honor of Peter Rooney Mrs. Randi Geffner In Honor of Joseph S. Roth Mrs. Randi Geffner In Memory of Tribute to Markus Rupp Ms. Michaela S. Rupp In Honor of Olivia Ryan Mrs. Hayley Prochazka In Memory of Nicos Savva Ms. Barbara Uriarte In Support of Matt Schutz Mr. Steven Kolodny Mr. John Mariano Ms. Eileen Schwalb In Memory of Jocye Ann Scolari Chap’s Tap Inc. Mr. James Cook Ms. Ruth Dougherty Donald and Paula Graham In Memory of Susan Sher Mr. Stephan Sher In Memory of Rose Smith Mr. Robert Roth In Memory of Zachary Snyder Dean and Margaret Floro Ms. Mary Ann Gercke Y.A.L.E. School P.T.O In Memory of Patricia Steinberg Jack and Judy Gensib Mr. and Mrs. William Mondress In Honor of Michael Strusiak Barnabas Health In Memory of Michael Tetta Ms. Patsy G. Tetta In Memory of Patrick Tommaney Mr. Yalin H. Blum Ms. Valerie A. Bradshaw Ms. Madeline Camacho Ms. Cely Coleman Ms. Ann Pruzinsky In Memory of Frank N. Travia Sr. Ms. Michelle Geroni In Memory of Paul F. Trimboli, Jr. Richard and Karen Perry In Memory of Rosa Valle Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mason In Memory of Keith Van Puttenvink Eventive Marketing nestle nutrition nimlok nY

In Memory of Anne Varley Reverend Wally Huckle In Memory of Robert “Bobby” Verite Ms. Lu Ann Buy Ms. Marsha Duvdevani Anonymous Ms. Theresa A. Macaluso Martin and Susan Messler Ms. Linda Montella-Carter John and Mary Shaw Bob, Melanie, Lauren and Carolyn Talan John and Alyce In Honor of Karen Von Ms. nancy Buscema In Memory of Robert Walker, Jr Mr. and Mrs. Bryan W. Mueller The Walker Family In Honor of Elle Weber Bob and Gerri Hooper In Memory of Rich Weber Robert and Geraldine Hooper In Memory of Mark Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Allen Appel Ira and Lee Donenfeld In Memory of Mark Weiss Anonymous Ms. Stacy Donenfeld Lawrence and Roberta Fachler Ms. Linda Garfinkel Dr. and Mrs. Toby Geller Bob and Lynn Levine Mrs. Ashna S. Pincus Philip and Harriet Rabinowitz Dassy & Lisa Saltiel Ellen, Ron and Brian Schechter Ms. Carolyn Schwartz Ms. Rozalyn Sherman Allen and Linda Skupp Mr. Leonard Sulkes David and Irene Symons Ms. Carol Zide Mr. Howard Zinn In Memory of Benjamin Wittich Ann Burns and Jeff Woods In Memory of Hope Wolf Mr. Dominic Certo Ms. Matina De Rosa Willa Everson and Doug Gould Robert and Carol Hill Pam and Steve Rivkin and family Mr. and Mrs. Craig Teitsma In Memory of Edward B. Wood Ms. Janice R. Carroll Flemington Car & Truck Country Greg and Michele Gregory Ralph and Karen Kirchner The Frances Krieg Family Mathews and Kathleen nunes Phillip and Eileen Stauffer Dr. and Mrs. Irwin B. Wood In Honor of Mary H. Wu Kenneth and Helen Kleinberg In Memory of Linda Zessos Fred and Dot McMenamin

who continue to wait, and remembering those lives lost while waiting for the gift of life. www.nJSharingnetwork.org

23

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

PAID Union, NJ

691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 1-800-742-7365 • 908-516-5400

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NJ Sharing Network is a member of Community Health Charities of NJ

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

WHO WE ARE nJ Sharing network is a non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 5,000 new Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation, and is part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the more than 120,000 people on waiting lists. If you no longer wish to receive information from NJ Sharing Network, please call 908-516-5400.

Q&A With Carolyn Welsh Director of Organ Donation Services, NJ Sharing Network Carolyn joined NJ Sharing Network in 1999. She is responsible for enhancing organ recovery and placement efforts at donor hospitals in New Jersey and at the state’s six transplant centers. She also oversees the family services department, which offers donor families support to cope with the loss of a loved one, as well as a team of transplant coordinators, the data department, organ quality assurance, and the donation resource center. How has organ donation changed since you first started in the field? Organ recovery has more than quadrupled since NJ Sharing Network started in 1987. Now we recover tissue for life-enhancing skin, cornea and bone trans-

plants. We are working hard to enhance public awareness of the great need for organ and tissue donation. Last year, 519 life-saving transplants were performed in New Jersey. Yet while more than 44 percent of U.S. drivers are registered organ donors nationwide, New Jersey ranks just 44th out of 50 states. We need to let others know that organ and tissue donation can be a tremendous gift that creates a lasting legacy. What do you say to a family that’s just lost a loved one? That’s probably the question I am asked most. I can’t change what’s happened to that family member by the time I get that call. All my team and I can do is support the family and offer the option of organ and tissue donation. When we’re called, it turns into the possibility of something more. The family can now take

an action that enables them to remember not just their loved one, but giving life or enhancing the life of someone else. You mention supporting the donor family. What about recipient families? A donation can transform a family – both donors and recipients. We always remember and honor the loved one who has died. Their names are etched on glass walls in our offices. A NJ Sharing Network flag flies for 24 hours at the hospital where a donation has occurred. Before the surgeons recover the donated organs and tissue, they hold a moment of silence to thank the donor for this gift. We offer support groups. We encourage organ recipients to write a letter to the donor family. When families choose to meet, it is an extremely powerful moment.

Join the conversation about the power of donation!

SAVE THE DATE

Like us at facebook.com/njsharingnetwork

Nov. 14-16, 2014

April 2015

National Donor Sabbath

National Donate Life Month 5th Annual 5K Walk & USATF Certified Race

Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, NJ

June 7, 2015

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