Circle of Life Magazine: Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015 7 Issue 2 1 Volume 6

ONE MILLION STRONG

5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life breaks record

HOW YOUR SUPPORT SAVES LIVES!

Introducing our Foundation Family Funds A PUBLICATION OF

THE POWER OF ONE

Mendham transplant recipient meets her donor’s daughter

JOE’S CORNER

OUR MISSION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NJ Sharing Network is committed to saving and enhancing lives through the miracle of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Bruce I. Goldstein, Esq., Chair Michael P. Hedden, Treasurer Bonnie Evans, Secretary Edward J. Florio, Esq. Marc H. Lory Anthony L. Marchetta Howard A. Nelson Vito Pulito Nancy E. Shafer-Winter, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ

Have you ever wondered how just one person can make a difference? At NJ Sharing Network, we witness “The Power of ONE” every day while we work to increase the number of lives saved and enhanced through organ and tissue donation.

Perhaps nobody understands “The Power of ONE” better than a transplant recipient like Michele Dabal, our Foundation Board Member who underwent a life-saving liver transplant 10 years ago. In this issue, Michele shares her journey, from learning her donor’s identity to forming a bond with her donor’s daughter (page 8).

This spring, 10,000 individuals came together as ONE for our record-breaking 5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life, which in 2015 expanded to two locations. We recognize our five-year teams and share stories and pictures (starting on page 12).

You, too, have the power to save lives. Read about the many ways your support and generosity is helping to spread awareness and increase the number of lives saved across the state (page 4). Plan to attend our Symposium on Organ & Tissue Donation on November 14, ­and check our calendar (page 16) for other awareness and outreach events happening in the coming months.

Antoinette Spevetz, MD Timothy J. Touhey

ADVISORY BOARD

Charles G. Walker Mark J. Zucker, MD, Chair Loretta Aigner, RN Gail Clegg Roseann DiBrienza, MS, RN 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, PhD, RN John S. Radomski, MD, FACS Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD Bruce Stroever Harry Sun, MD Dorian J. Wilson, MD

EDITORIAL TEAM

Joseph S. Roth President and Chief Executive Officer

Mara Barlow, Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

At NJ Sharing Network, we are Helping a person reminded each day of the critical role will not necessarily our organization plays in the race to change the world, but save lives across the United States.

Every day our Foundation strives to it will change the world honor those who gave, pay tribute to for that person. those who received, offer hope to those who continue to wait and remember the lives lost while waiting...

-Unknown for the Gift of Life. Amongst our friends and family at the Annual 5K Celebration of Life, we were honored to announce the new National Donate Life Registry, which allows you to register as an organ and tissue donor in just 60 seconds (see back cover for details). Take a minute to join the mobile-friendly registry by visiting www.NJSharingNetwork.org and clicking on the blue “Register” icon. It could change the world for you or someone you love.

”

Jeanne Blanchard, Marketing Manager John Valentine, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Jan Hines, Assistant Director, Hospital Services Amanda Abramo, Manager of Philanthropy and Foundation Programs CONTRIBUTORS: Marla Bace, Strategic Consultant Teresa Akersten, Writer/Editor Laura Avello, Graphic Designer Photography for cover story

by Tim Boyles Photography Send comments to editor@njsharingnetwork.org

Elisse E. Glennon Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Executive Director, Foundation

The Power of ONE

Why do we use sunflowers as a symbol at NJ Sharing Network?

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. One organ donor has the power to save up to eight lives. One tissue donor can restore health to over 50 others.

on y ut rld

”

We fondly remember our friend David Bird, who became an advocate for organ and tissue donation after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant in 2004. David and his wife, Nancy, began volunteering to raise awareness for organ donation, running the very first NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life as “Team Save David.”

Nancy is a member of our NJ Sharing Network family in her per diem position in the Family Services department.

David walked the LiverWalk, competed in the NYC triathlon and even ran the NYC Marathon in 2013, all in an effort to raise funds and awareness for organ and tissue donation. On January 11, 2014,

SHARING NEWS

Remembering Volunteer David Bird

ALWAYS GRATEFUL Liver transplant recipient, David Bird cherished his second chance at life. Pictured is David Bird and wife Nancy at the Annual 5K Celebration of Life.

David went missing after leaving his Long Hill Township home to take a walk. Sadly, his body was found on March 18, 2015.

This June, the Bird’s 5K Celebration of Life team was renamed “David’s Flock,” to honor him and his courageous efforts.

New Hope for Lung Transplant Patients in New Jersey There’s great news for New Jersey lung transplant candidates. After more than a year-long hiatus, the state’s only lung transplant program, the Barnabas Health Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC), has been restored.

Since opening in March 2015, Newark Beth Israel has already performed multiple transplants. Previously, single and double lung transplant candidates in New Jersey were referred to centers in New York and Philadelphia, and lungs from local donors would automatically go out of the state.

Lung disease patients often have limited mobility, so it means a great deal not to have to travel far for treatments, explains Sharyn Sawczak, Assistant Director of Organ Donation Services at NJ Sharing Network. Also, every

minute counts once the call comes that a lung is available.

“The significance is huge for the state,” says Sawczak. “We have established a close partnership with NBIMC to ensure the program helps as many people as possible.”

While the primary goal is to identify suitable lung transplant candidates, the program also offers complete evaluation and treatment plans for patients with a variety of lung diseases, including asthma and cystic fibrosis.

For the convenience of patients in central and southern New Jersey, the Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program maintains a satellite office at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, also a Barnabas Health facility.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-888-NJLung1.

“David is resting in peace now and as we begin to put our lives back together, the hole in our hearts is filled with gratitude for the kindness so many people showered us with during our darkest days,” said Nancy and their children, Alex and Natasha.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sharing News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Your Support & Generosity Help to Save Lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NEW! Foundation Family Funds . . . . . . 6 The Power of ONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 10 years after liver transplant, Mendham woman meets donor’s daughter

Let’s Get Clinical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Celebrating Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life breaks attendance and fundraising records

Social Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Knowledge is Power . . . . . . . . . . . 17

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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The Power of Diversity Did you know minorities make up more than half of those currently on the organ transplant waiting lists? During National Minority Donor Awareness Week, celebrated annually on August 1-7, we encourage people from diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors and promote healthy lifestyles which could avoid the need for transplantation. This series of multicultural posters was created to help spread the life-saving message that donation is color blind. We all have the power to change someone’s world! For more information, visit www.

NJSharingNetwork.org/nmdaw.

17TH ANNUAL

GOLF CLASSIC

OCTOBER 5, 2015

Wear What You Like!

Home of the 2016 PGA Championship

Like NJ Sharing Network? You’ll love our LikeWear. Show your support for organ and tissue donation by shopping for NJ Sharing Network T-shirts, hats, totes and other great quality gear at www.likewear.com/njsharingnetwork.

LikeWear will contribute 20% of sales to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. What’s not to like about that!

BALTUSROL GOLF CLUB SPRINGFIELD, NJ Presented by:

9:00 AM REGISTRATION & BRUNCH 11:00 AM SHOTGUN START 2:00 PM GOLF CLINIC 4:30 PM COCKTAIL & AWARDS RECEPTION Enjoy an unforgettable day at one of the country’s premier private golf clubs. In addition to tricky tray and a silent auction, prizes will be awarded in several golf categories.

TO SIGN UP OR BECOME A SPONSOR, PLEASE VISIT

www.NJSharingNetwork.org/golf 2

SUMMER 2015

Get your gear at www.likewear.com/ njsharingnetwork

NJ Sharing Network was well represented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO): “Mission Possible: Inform, Inspire, Ignite.”

The meeting, held in Phoenix, Arizona on June 8-11, was one of the largest in AOPO’s history with more than 800 attendees.

Carolyn Welsh, NJ Sharing Network Director of Organ Donation Services, served on this year’s AOPO planning committee, and several members of our team shared their expertise in the following presentations.

• Keep Your Head IN the “Cloud”! —Building Relationships and Integrating Systems Into Practice: Elisse Glennon, VP and Chief Administrative Officer, discussed how a contact management system for the entire organization bridges the gap in communication for all of our partners and constituents.

• Houston We Have an Objection: Leadership’s

Role in First Person Authorization: Sharyn Sawczak, Assistant Director of Organ Donation Services, presented case studies and demonstrated how our leadership participates in honoring first person authorization.

• Breaking Down the Silos: Working Together Makes So Much Sense: Jan Hines, Assistant Director of Hospital Services, and Jackie Lue Raia, Assistant Director Resource Development, shared creative examples to increase donation awareness, improve the donor process at hospitals and give donor families meaning through philanthropy.

“While the NJ Sharing Network team shared the many innovative ways we are keeping up with new technology and trends, we also brought back fresh ideas and best practices from our colleagues across the country,” Welsh said.

We are looking forward to sharing and learning more at the 2016 AOPO Meeting in Austin, Texas.

save the date!

SYMPOSIUM ON

In cooperation with

ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION

*Select CE Credits pending.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015 Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, NJ

This multi-disciplinary symposium will empower you to gain knowledge, share experiences, meet members of the transplant community, and learn about innovative and best practices.

The day will focus on the critical role you play in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Volunteers • Donor Families • Recipients • Community Advocates Faith-Based Leaders • Attorneys • First Responders • Physicians Risk Managers • Nurses • Hospital Administrators • Educators Healthcare Providers • Respiratory Therapists • Medical Examiners Funeral Directors • High School/College Students

For details visit: www.NJSharingNetwork.org/Symposium

What Can You Do for National Donor Sabbath?

SHARING NEWS

Our Mission is Possible: 2015 Annual AOPO Meeting

National Donor Sabbath, falling on November 13-15, provides a time for faith communities to educate their congregants and spread awareness. Most religions view donation as an act of compassion and generosity.

Here are 4 ways you can help your faith-based community observe National Donor Sabbath: 1. Start the Conversation Now: Let your faith-based leader know that National Donor Sabbath is approaching and you would like to share your personal experience with organ and tissue donation.

You can also contact NJ Sharing Network to schedule a volunteer transplant recipient or donor family member to speak as a guest at a faith-based event.

2. Host Donor Registration Drives Suggest setting up a display table before and after services where you can distribute literature and donor registry forms.

3. Share the Life-Saving Message Suggest that your congregation include a link to www.NJSharingNetwork.org on your house of worship’s website and Facebook page during National Donor Sabbath in November and beyond.

4. Educate Provide informational materials at faith services and events, and include messaging in your bulletin and newsletter.

For more information and materials for National Donor Sabbath visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/ donorsabbath or email info@njsharingnetwork.org www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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FOUNDATION BOARD

Peter Rooney, Chair Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide Resident of Mendham Marla Bace, Vice Chair Resident of Berkeley Heights Philip S. Kolm, Treasurer Resident of Fort Lee Randi Geffner, Secretary Resident of Livingston Cheryl H. Cohen, MBA, FHFMA Wells Fargo Equipment Finance Resident of Chesterfield Michele Dabal Resident of Mendham J.D. de León Resident of Jersey City Lenore C. Ford Resident of Morristown Laura Coti Garrett, MS, RDN Realtime Nutrition, Inc. Resident of Morristown Honorable F. Michael Giles Resident of West Orange Derlys M. Gutierrez, Esq. Adams Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC Resident of Montclair Lisa J. Meyers Resident of Summit Yvonne Payne Resident of Teaneck 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 Bhavna Tailor Eastwick College Resident of Clifton Ex-Officio NJ Sharing Network Members: Joseph S. Roth President and CEO Elisse E. Glennon VP & Chief Administrative Officer Executive Director, Foundation Barry Newman Chief Financial Officer

CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA! Alyssa D’Addio Bialko was recently named Assistant Director, Philanthropy and Foundation Programs for the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. Alyssa has held various positions within the organization since starting here as an intern in 2010, and, she will play an integral role in supporting our mission.

Your support & generosity h The Donate Life Rose Parade brings worldwide public awareness to donation.

The 2016 float will honor heart transplant recipient and NJ Sharing Network volunteer Mark Meade of Princeton Junction (pictured with wife Terry, also a volunteer) and will feature a floragraph of organ donor Andrew Jova.

AWARENESS & outreach 500 Volunteers

active in New Jersey communities.

4,000 Volunteer Hours

logged at hospital and community events.

400 Hours of Workshops conducted by staff in the community.

10,000 5K Participants record-breaking 5K Celebration of Life attendance.

SUPPORTING families 200 Shawls Gifted

handmade for donor families by Wrapped in Love volunteers.

100+ Donor Memorials Landscape of Life at NJSN Headquarters & hospital memorials around the state.

Crisis Funds available for new transplant recipients & those patients on waiting lists.

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SUMMER 2015

Our Foundation was created to provide programs and grants in the following areas...

PUBLIC education

50 High Schools & Colleges participated in High School Heroes and other programs.

F O U N D AT I O N N E W S

y help to save lives!

Thanks to our many partnerships, we are spreading awareness and helping save more lives through organ and tissue donation!

2015-16 Scholarship Awardee Harrison Theodore Brace of Haworth dedicated his Eagle Scout Project on organ and tissue donation to his aunt, who is a kidney recipient.

12,000 Students educated on the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Children’s Books Published teaching youth about organ and tissue donation – also translated Spanish. toto Spanish.

4,000 Visitors experienced Liberty Science Center’s organ and tissue donation exhibit.

CLINICAL advancement 3-yr Study Funded

in molecular immunology, conducted in our state-of-the art lab.

Advanced Training provided to transplant coordinators, family support & clinical staff.

Educational Programs funded for nurses, physicians and key hospital staff.

NEW! Family Funds: NJSN Foundation Programs contribute significantly to our efforts.

Read more about our growing number of Family Funds on pages 6-7.

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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FAMILIES GIVING BACK Introducing our first Foundation Family Funds!

The NJ Sharing Network Foundation is partnering with donor families and recipients to honor their loved ones and further our mission through philanthropy.

Riley’s Dance •

www.RileysDance.org

Riley’s Dance was created by the Kogen Family of Livingston in honor of their daughter Riley Kogen who gave the gift of life at the age of 5. Riley’s Dance seeks to improve the quality of life for transplant recipients and those in need of organ transplants through a crisis relief fund which assists with the costs of transportation, medication, housing and other expenses. The organization also funded the children’s book, “Running for Riley,” to share Riley’s story and educate a younger generation about donation.

“With your support, we aim to help others dance again just as our Riley loved to do.”

— Mitch and Ali Kogen, Riley’s parents

Betsy Niles Fund Established in honor of Elizabeth “Betsy” Niles, this fund builds on the college scholarship program already in place at the NJ Sharing Network Foundation for high school seniors who have been touched by organ and tissue donation. Betsy, who spent most of her career in educational publishing, was passionate about helping to improve the education system. The first scholarships in her memory will be awarded next spring.

“I feel it’s a perfect tribute to Betsy to have a fund and a scholarship program in her honor.”

— Dan Sarnowski, Betsy’s loving companion

Missy’s Miracle A teenager in need of an organ transplant often experiences school absences and delays in graduation. In some cases, college may no longer be an option. In honor of the 30th anniversary of her liver transplant, Melissa “Missy” Rodriguez of Short Hills established Missy’s Miracle, which provides scholarships to students whose lives have been impacted by donation and programs to educate the community on organ and tissue donation.

“I wanted to join forces with NJ Sharing Network to educate the community.”

— Missy Rodriguez Liver recipient 6

SUMMER 2015

NJ Sharing Network was a lifeline for Alberta D’Addio and her daughter, Alyssa, when their husband and father, Joe, passed away suddenly at the age of 50. Joe was able to help more than 80 people through the gift of life.

This fund created in his memory helps support projects which will increase multicultural outreach and education about the critical importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor. The fund has helped to publish a Spanish translation of “Lily’s Laces.”

“It’s all about saving more lives, and enhancing more lives.”

— Alberta D’Addio, Joe’s wife

F O U N D AT I O N N E W S

Joseph D’Addio Fund

PARTNER FUND

Hearts for Emma •

www.HeartsforEmma.org

Hearts for Emma, a 501(c)(3), was founded by the Rothman family of Cranford after their daughter, Emma, received a life-saving heart transplant. Team Hearts for Emma was formed 5 weeks prior to NJ Sharing Network’s first 5K, which Emma was able to walk 11 weeks post transplant. From that connection forward, Hearts for Emma set up their fund with the Foundation to work together to further educate high school students about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Hearts for Emma partnered to update the High School Heroes brochure with the message “You Have the Power to Save Lives.” The brochure has been distributed to tens of thousands of teens across the state. A DVD companion is in the works. The educational materials support the New Jersey Hero Act, which requires public high schools to include organ and tissue donation information in their curriculum.

“The Hearts for Emma Fund aims to provide educational materials for present and future generations to understand the need & importance of life-saving organ and tissue donation.”

— Nancie Rothman, Emma’s Mother Download your copy of the High School Heroes brochure today at www.NJSharingNetwork.org/h4e

If you are interested in partnering with the NJ Sharing Network Foundation in its goal of furthering our mission through philanthropy, contact Foundation Assistant Director Alyssa D’Addio Bialko at 908-516-5432 or adaddio@njsharingnetwork.org. www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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the

MEETING YOUR MIRACLE Michele Dabal, left, and her donor’s daughter, Becky Mikola, hold a picture of organ donor, Carol Costa.

power

ONE.

of 8

SUMMER 2015

Michele Dabal says she never forgets

a face. So when she first saw a picture of the woman whose liver saved her life, she could not shake the feeling she had met her before.

The moment was a decade in the making. It took Michele a year after her emergency liver transplant in 2005 to write to her donor family. The first letter was just a simple paragraph expressing her sincere gratitude. She would write additional letters over the years, ultimately getting comfortable enough to request a chance to meet her donor’s family.

For all that time, she never heard back.

Then, in November 2014, Michele got a call from NJ Sharing Network’s Family Services Department, which facilitates confidential correspondence between transplant recipients and their donor families. She was informed that her donor’s daughter, now living in Florida, was consenting to meet her.

Michele originally thought her liver had belonged to a man. She was now learning it was actually a woman, Carol, who saved her life. Carol’s only daughter, Becky, was 33 and living in the Central Florida area. Michele’s husband Greg happened to be traveling nearby for a conference in March. The date was set!

The following includes excerpts from the journal Michele kept during the emotional experience.

March 10, 2015

I didn’t sleep well last night. I was tossing and turning thinking about meeting Becky. It’s hard to believe that almost 10 years have passed since I heard the words, “Michele, you had a liver transplant.”

I know so little of the woman that saved my life. She was 45, in a car accident in NJ, and her daughter consented to donation. Is this going to be a sad meeting? I hope I can convey my condolences and gratitude adequately. I know how hard it was to lose my mom when I was in my twenties, but my mom fought cancer for most of my childhood. I had time to think about losing her.

It must have been even more devastating for Becky to lose her mom so tragically.

I hear the captain’s announcement, “We are approaching our final destination.” I am surprised by how these words create an instantaneous flood of emotions for me and tears are pouring down my cheeks as I look out the window. Wow, this is really happening! I’ve wished for this meeting for almost 10 years. I hope Becky will feel she made the right decision and that I am worthy of the gift of life I was given.

When Michele first saw Becky come through the doors of the hotel where they arranged to meet, she was overcome with joy and tears. They embraced and cried and held each other tight. Michele said “thank you” over and over and kissed Becky’s cheek.

They laughed with nervous excitement and then stepped over to introduce their husbands to one another.

Becky brought an envelope full of photographs of her mother along with handwritten notes from her mom. But it wasn’t until she told Michele that her mother had worked at the Great Swamp in Morris County that Michele had the “aha” moment.

“That’s it!” she thought. “I think I might have met Carol at the Great Swamp. I lived in Madison for 10 years and we would often go to buy plants and Christmas decorations there.”

The coincidences kept coming. The more Michele learned about her donor, the more convinced she became the two would have made great friends. She shared Carol’s adventurous nature and positive spirit, and, like her, enjoyed the outdoors. They also both loved dogs.

“We were not only compatible in blood type,” Michele said, “we were compatible in spirit.”

March 13, 2015

Becky explains that her mom did not wear much jewelry, but one of the things she did wear was a silver heart. She said it no longer had a chain, but that she wanted me to have it…so that I could wear it close to my heart. I am so touched by her words and this precious gift. I will cherish this beautiful silver heart Carol wore. It is an incredible symbol of all the love, passion, and positive energy she gave to Becky, life, and to everything and everyone she touched.

(Continued on page 10)

“

“

.

A decade after receiving a life-saving liver transplant, Michele Dabal of Mendham forms a special bond with her donor’s daughter.

We were not only compatible in blood type, we were

compatible in spirit.

TWO OF A KIND Like her liver donor Carol, left, Michele Dabal loves to keep active and spend time outdoors.

–Michele Dabal, liver recipient

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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they have showered me with and find the Nigerian saying: “It is the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go.”

FAMILY BONDS From left, former NJ Sharing Network Family Services Coordinator Romelle Lysenko, Greg Dabal, (Michele’s husband) Michele Dabal, Debbi, (Michele’s best friend) and Becky.

Ten years ago, when Michele started feeling extremely fatigued, she blamed it on the long days she had been working to open a new business, the Waterdog Café in Mendham. But after her doctors advised her to take a month off from work and she still felt exhausted, she was admitted to Overlook Hospital.

Despite her vital signs being normal, her doctor pleaded to have her transferred to University Hospital in Newark for further testing. That was a Saturday. On Sunday morning, nurses discovered Michele lying on the floor of her hospital room. The cause: acute liver failure. Luckily for Michele, University Hospital is one of the best liver transplant centers in the area. Some 22 hours after being placed in an induced coma, the perfect liver match came in the door.

Meanwhile, Becky was 23 at the time of her mother’s accident. She had last seen her mom during one of the happiest times of her life, at her wedding. When it came time to make a decision about donation, she immediately gave consent knowing it would have been her mother’s wishes.

“My Mother was a beautiful soul and I feel so fortunate to have had the experience of being her daughter,” said Becky. “She was a free spirit that embraced life, love, and positivity. She was incredibly generous in her compassion for all living things both big and small and taught me to respect and nurture the planet and all that occupy it.”

After they met, Becky also felt an immediate connection with Michele. She said prior to meeting each other they were each asked what they wished to get out of the experience.

“Unbeknownst to us we both answered that we wanted the experience to be everything the 10

SUMMER 2015

BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP Michele returned to Florida in April to attend Becky’s roller derby competition. “It meant the world to me as my mom never got to see me play,” Becky said.

other had been hoping for,” Becky said. “We each only wanted the absolute best for each other, which made the meeting one that was tremendously meaningful and which provided me with closure I never knew I needed.”

March 15, 2015

I am in good spirits. So good that I feel like I’m floating. I am joyfully light hearted and feel I am peaceful and calm, but also excited about all that has transpired. As we prepare for takeoff, I am surprised that I am feeling torn about leaving Florida. I wish I could stay and spend more time with Becky and her husband Mike.

We are taxiing down the runway. I put in my ear buds, tap play on my iTunes library and hear Elton John singing “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” and once again, I burst into tears.

In the years following her transplant, Michele became an active volunteer working to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. She has competed multiple times in the Transplant Games of America, bringing home from Houston in 2014 a gold medal in table tennis and doubles tennis and a bronze in basketball. She has served as a course marshal for the 5K Celebration of Life and is co-captain for both NJ Sharing Network’s Team Liberty and NJ Sharing Network’s Cycling Team.

Her mission as a new board member of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation is to continue “to get the message out.” She frequently speaks at colleges and hospitals about her experience, and thanks to her new relationship with her donor’s daughter, she can now incorporate her first-hand experience of what it’s like for recipients and donor families to connect.

March 16, 2015

I can’t stop thinking about Becky and Carol, and how grateful I am to have had the chance to meet Becky. I look for a quote that might sum up the love

Michele returned to Florida in April to watch Becky compete with her roller derby team, and Becky and her husband are hoping to travel to New Jersey next June for the 5K Celebration of Life on June 5, 2016.

“It’s a person who was a total stranger a few months ago who feels like a lifelong relative,” Michele said. “It’s the start of a very interesting chapter of the journey.”

Making Connections Many transplant recipients wish to correspond with their donor families.

Likewise, donor families may be eager to learn about those whose lives were touched by their loved one’s gift of life. Here are some tips for writing the first letter:

If you are a transplant recipient…

– Express your sympathy – Share your gratitude – Tell them about yourself

If you are a donor family…

– Tell the recipient why the decision was made to donate – Wish them well in their recovery – Tell them about your loved one

For both…

– Keep identities protected – Only use first names and avoid last names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.

NJ Sharing Network facilitates confidential correspondence between transplant recipients and donor families.

For more information, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/ family-services

es. ger ere

By Nina Roberts, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC; Director Critical Care RWJUHH As a critical care nurse, I spent years helping families during their darkest hours, sitting with them as NJ Sharing Network staff broached the subject of donation, navigating through decision making, holding families while they wept. I have always been a great supporter of organ donation and I have spoken to my family about my own wishes. I never dreamed one day I would be sitting in those same shoes as a parent.

While at work in ICU, I received that dreaded call, my son was in a horrifying accident and is in grave condition!

After almost four weeks fighting to save our son’s life, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick in conjunction with NJ Sharing Network approached our family, at the right time and in the most professional manner, to discuss organ donation.

We knew if our son could speak for himself, this is what he would want. Timmy loved life, loved helping others, so the gift of life was the obvious choice for both our son and our family. Timmy had desig-

LET’S GET CLINICAL

How Becoming a Donor Mother Made Me a ‘Better Nurse’ with tragedy. nated his wish to doI have had the nate on his NJ driver’s pleasure to meet license. Through this our son’s kidney devastating tragedy, I received the most and heart recipiamazing and indescribent. I have said able support from my from the beginprofessional family at ning, Timmy Capital Health System must have handpicked his rewhere I worked and cipients for me RWJUH New Brunswick who cared for because I can’t be my son; together they more loved! Timmy’s kidney rewrapped their arms Nina and her family walked with Timmy’s kidney recipient, David, in the 5K Celebration of Life. cipient, David, is around us. The unwavering compassion they very close with us extended to our family and now that he held us up and helped us walk through the has met our extended family at the 2015 worst days of our lives. I learned so much 5K Celebration of Life, he has been infrom the nurses who cared for us. cluded in all our gatherings! David lives I realized my work was not done as a a full life because of Timmy and organ critical care nurse; I needed to return a donation provided our family with hope, better person, a better nurse, someone who helped ease the pain of grief and made me can help others, better than I did in the past a better nurse.

I returned to my family and work a because now I knew all too well the levels of pain and sorrow families feel as well as stronger more insightful person and realize the stages they travel through while dealing how blessed I am for all those in my life.

Honduran Hospital Performs First Living Donor Transplants With Help from NJ Sharing Network

,

Instituto Hondureno de Seguridad Social (IHSS) surgical team performing life-saving kidney transplantation surgery

Traveling with anesthesia and necessary medical supplies contributed by NJ Sharing Network, our own Joel Padilla Benitez helped perform the very first living donor transplants at the Instituto Hondureno de Seguridad Social (IHSS) in the capital of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, earlier this year.

Joel, a Surgical Recovery Specialist, volunteered his time to assist with three kidney transplants, a mother to a son, a brother to a brother and a sister to a brother.

“This trip was very inspirational for me.

I’ve been working in transplantation in the U.S. for many years, but this was the first

time I’ve had the experience internationally,” Joel said. “The local people who live and work in Tegucigalpa are pro-donation, but they don’t have the resources to help those in need of a transplant.”

Joel said he was surprised, for example, to learn that blood testing needed to be performed in Costa Rica.

“It was amazing to interact with hospital staff and to help their team perform these life-saving surgeries and see how it directly impacts these local Honduran families.

I thank NJ Sharing Network for providing the resources to support these efforts.” www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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CELEBRATING

life

W

ith tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts, an estimated 10,000 runners and walkers raised more than one million dollars toward a common goal – to end the deaths of those on New Jersey’s organ transplant waiting list.

This year’s 5K Celebration of Life with the theme “To Honor. To Remember. To Give Hope.” was held for the first time on two sites, at Bergen Community College in Paramus in April and at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence in June.

The 5K Celebration of Life certified race has grown tremendously since its inception in 2011, raising funds to support research and education about organ and tissue donation, as well as programs to support donor families throughout the year.

5 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE, HOPE & HEALING More than 300 teams combined participated in the 5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life, each with a special story to share. Nearly 50 of those teams have been with NJSN since the first 5K walk/race in 2011. Teams honored those who gave the gift of life, and celebrated recipients’ second chance at life. They provided support and hope to those still on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant, or remembered a loved one who died while waiting for that gift of life. Visit Facebook.com/ NJSharingNetwork for more 5K coverage!

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SUMMER 2015

NJ Sharing Network’s 5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life broke attendance and fundraising records in 2015, and expanded to two locations!

TOP FIVE

FUNDRAISING TEAMS

1

Thank You

1. Team Joe Joe Organ and tissue donor Joe Ciccone continues

to touch many lives. Team Joe Joe celebrates this amazing man and the gift he gave.

2. Just Do It in Celebration of Joe D’Addio Joe D’Addio was a

loving father and husband with a passion for helping others.

As an organ and tissue donor, Joe helped over 80 people and his family has celebrated that for all 5 years at the event.

3. Mack “The Super Hero” Mack Byrne is a true super hero who

saved the lives of three children and restored the health of many others. He inspired his community and the team of over 140 members who participated to celebrate the gift he gave.

4. Team Courtney Seven people are alive today because of the

gift Courtney Dayback gave. Team Courtney has celebrated her life and legacy for all 5 years at the event.

5. Run for Your Life Richard Engel’s life was saved when

Charlotte Bashforth made the selfless decision to donate one of her kidneys. Richard, Charlotte and their families gathered to celebrate together.

2

5K CELEBRATION OF LIFE

G

SPECIAL THANKS to NJ Sharing Network’s

Visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/5K for more 5K event information.

Annual 5K Celebration of Life Presenting Sponsors for 2015, Bergen Community College (Paramus, April 12) and Pfizer (New Providence, June 7).

For a complete list, or to become a sponsor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/5K.

HIGH FIVE! TWO STEPS AT A TIME

Team Mark’s Two Steppers honored the 49-year-old registered donor, Mark Naughton, who gave the ultimate gift by donating his corneas, skin, bone and heart valves. The message in the song “Two Steps”

by Dave Matthews Band embodies Mark’s life: “Celebrate we will...

Because life is short but sweet for certain.”

A PERFECT 10

Bruce I. Goldstein, our new NJSN Board of Trustees Chair, pictured with his son, celebrated 10 years since his life-saving heart transplant with his 5K team, BIG 10!

Thank you to all those who helped us reach $1M in funds raised. Pictured is Dan Sarnowski (front row center in white), 5K Celebration of Life Committee Chair, with the other committee members. We need your continued support to do it again next year!

TOP FUNDRAISING FIVE INDIVIDUALS

1

ou

Joan Ciccone - Team Joe Joe Alyssa D’Addio Bialko - Just Do It Kristina Dayback - Team Courtney Valerie Ruvelas - Nick’s Nuts

4

Mary Naughton - Mark’s Two Steppers

5

2

SAVE THE DATE 3

THREE LOCATIONS TO CELEBRATE LIFE IN 2016 April 24, 2016: 5K Walk Bergen Community College, Paramus June 5, 2016: 5K Walk & USATF Certified Race NJ Sharing Network , New Providence Stay tuned for 3rd location in Monmouth/Ocean County area!

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

13

social life...

During National Donate Life Month and Blue and Green Day in April, supporters wear the colors of organ and tissue donation awareness and hold special events.

LEADING THE CHEER During RN Orientation, Hackensack University Medical Center shows their colorful support for organ donation.

VALLEY VALUES DONATION The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood showcased the colors of organ and tissue donation awareness.

SHOW OF SUPPORT Christine Archer, who as a living kidney donor helped save her uncle’s life, is one of many New Jerseyans who shared why they support organ and tissue donation on social media with the hashtag, #BLUEANDGREENDAYNJ. MIRACLE PUB Friends and family gathered to toast the memory of organ donor Caroline Duerr.

A MILESTONE FOR TISSUE DONATION NJ Sharing Network’s newly expanded partnership with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation in Edison will increase efforts to restore health and enhance lives of New Jersey residents through tissue donation. A ribbon-cutting event celebrated the opening of NJ Sharing Network’s new surgical suite at MTF. 14

SUMMER 2015

SMILE IF YOU SUPPORT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION The staff at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, marking its 150th anniversary in 2015, showed their support for organ and tissue donation on Blue and Green Day.

SOCIAL LIFE GROWING THE GARDEN Fifty-six organ and tissue donors who gave the gift of life at Jersey Shore University Medical Center were honored during Zan’s Garden of Life Rededication Ceremony & Reception. The garden, located in the courtyard of the Neptune hospital, was first dedicated in 2011 in memory of 13-year-old organ donor Alexandra “Zan” Tozzi.

BABY MELISSA The Mercado family with their “floragraph” of Melissa from the Donate Life Rose Parade Float returned to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center to thank the hospital staff and NJ Sharing Network for their support. The heart of six-week-old Melissa saved the life of an infant boy and her kidneys helped save a young mother.

HONORING HEROES Jersey City Medical Center, part of Barnabas Health added 17 names and pictures of organ and tissue donors to the hospital’s “Wall of Heroes” in an emotional and uplifting ceremony held in June.

SE HABLA ESPANOL Volunteer Alberta D’Addio and staff member Alida Sandoval worked the table at the Hispanic Business Expo in July promoting multicultural organ and tissue donation awareness at the event.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE NJ Association of School Resource Officers recently gathered for their annual Symposium on School Safety in Stockton, NJ. NJ Sharing Network was proud to be an exclusive exhibitor in helping in the effort to keep the children in our communities safe. www.NJSharingNetwork.org

15

EVENT CALENDAR

Get out your calendars and let’s get to work!

Saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation is year-round work here at NJ Sharing Network. Whether you are looking to help raise funds, become a certified volunteer or help spread the word about the power of organ and tissue donation, there are many ways for you to get involved.

SEPTEMBER 13 Sunday

Gran Fondo NJ

Morristown Green • Morristown, NJ Contact: info@njsharingnetwork.org Come ride with Team NJ Sharing Network! Gran Fondo NJ 2015 offers four routes of increasing levels of challenge: 18 miles, 42 miles, 62 miles and 107 miles.

SEPTEMBER 19 Saturday

Volunteer Certification Training

NJ Sharing Network Headquarters 691 Central Ave. • New Providence, NJ 11 am to 12:30 pm Contact: volunteers@njsharingnetwork.org We’d love to have you join our corps of NJ Sharing Network Volunteers! New volunteer certification trainings are free and held each month at our New Providence headquarters.

NOVEMBER 13-15 Friday-Sunday

National Donor Sabbath

Visit: www.NJSharingNetwork.org/donorsabbath During November, a month set aside for giving thanks, faith communities throughout the country help educate their congregations about the gift of life by recognizing organ donor families and recipients, organizing donor registration drives, inviting speakers to their houses of worship and more.

NOVEMBER 14 Saturday

Symposium on Organ & Tissue Donation

Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel • Iselin, NJ Visit: www.NJSharingNetwork.org/symposium The day will focus on the critical role you play in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. This multi-disciplinary symposium will empower you to gain knowledge, share experiences, meet members of the transplant community, and learn about innovative and best practices.

OCTOBER 5 Monday

17th Annual Golf Classic

Baltusrol Golf Club • Springfield, NJ Visit: www.NJSharingNetwork.org/golf Contact: Alyssa D’Addio Bialko at 908-516-5432 or adaddio@njsharingnetwork.org.

Organize a foursome (or we’ll match you with a group) for an unforgettable experience at one of the country’s premier private golf clubs. The day includes brunch, cocktail and awards reception and prizes.

! t n e v E n w O r u o Host Y

event in g your own ? NJ in n n la p in loved one Interested ed emory of a m in r ve organiz o r o hon porters ha p g: su in d rk lu o c tw in Sharing Ne d awareness events, an fundraisers tions ary Celebra • Annivers rs ing Dinne • Fundrais rts ing Conce • Fundrais Events or • Sporting 8-516-5432 Bialko at 90 ssa D’Addio Contact Aly haringnetwork.org js adaddio@n

16

SUMMER 2015

POWER!

Test Your Organ and Tissue Donation I.Q. Knowing the facts can save lives.

To learn more, visit NJSharingNetwork.org/get-the-facts 1. In the United States, 120,000 people are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. How many NJ residents are on the waiting list? m a. 50

m c. 2,500

m b. 1,000

m d. nearly 5,000

TO YOUR HEALTH

By Laura Coti Garrett, MS, RDN

Eating well and making good lifestyle choices is critical to good health. Introducing To Your Health, a guest column with information to help you stay healthy!

Children who take part in family meals eaten at home at least three times a week are less likely to be overweight, eat more healthy food, and have greater academic achievement and improved psychological well-being.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Knowledge is

NEW!

2. In 2014, NJ Sharing Network helped save the lives of 460 people on the organ donation waiting list. m True

m False

3. What percentage of NJ residents are registered organ and tissue donors? m a. 14%

m c. 58%

m b. 33%

m d. 77%

4. Most religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation or support the individual choices of their members. Donation is viewed as an act of compassion and generosity. m True

m False

5. Transplantable organs include: m a. Heart, Kidneys and Liver m b. Heart, Kidneys, Liver and Lungs m c. Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Pancreas and Intestine

6. Transplantable tissue includes: m a. Corneas to restore sight

m d. Heart valves to replace diseased valves

m b. Bone grafts to repair injuries

m e. All of the above

m c. Skin grafts to treat burns and for surgical reconstructions

7. Why is it important for minorities to become donors? m a. Ethnic minorities are in desperate need of more organ and tissue donors. m b. There are more than 69,000 minority individuals (including Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, American Indians, Pacific Islanders and people of multiracial descent) on the U.S. organ transplant waiting list. m c. Many of the conditions resulting in the need for a transplant, such as diabetes and hypertension, occur with greater frequency among minority populations. m d. All of the above.

8. A person who donates an organ or tissue while alive is called a: m a. Recipient

m c. Living donor

m b. Candidate

m d. Requester

9. An organ and tissue donor can save up to 8 lives and restore health to 50 others. m True

m False

10. YOU have the power to save and enhance lives by registering to become an organ and tissue donor and getting involved with spreading the word on the importance of organ and tissue donation. m False ANSWERS 1. d; 2. True; 3. b; 4. True; 5. c; 6. e; 7. d; 8. c; 9. True; 10. True!!!

m True

Working parents and kids with busy school schedules may often find this to be a daunting challenge, so here are some suggestions: 1. Meet weekly with family to decide what days you’ll dine together and what dishes you want to make 2. Make a shopping list based on meals, coupons and specials 3. Prepare meals together on weekends and freeze them for quick reheating on weekdays 4. Lunches for school and work can be prepared the night before as another homemade meal 5. Have fruit and cut up vegetables available for healthy snacks 6. No screen time during meal time Family meals provide not only nourishment for the body, but a way to connect parents with children and children with siblings. This interaction helps families discuss important topics and can be the ideal setting to start the conversation about the topic of organ and tissue donation.

Laura Coti Garrett is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and author of Busy Morning, an illustrated children’s book for busy parents.

Laura is also a member of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. www.NJSharingNetwork.org

17

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

PAID Union, NJ

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

Permit No. 931

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

NJ Sharing Network is a member of Community Health Charities

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.

NJ Sharing Network is CMS certified, AOPO accredited, designated OPO by UNOS, FDA registered, CAP accredited, ASHI accredited, registered with NJ State DOH, and soon to be AATB accredited.

If you no longer wish to receive information from NJ Sharing Network, please call 908-516-5400.

Got a minute?

That’s all it takes to help save a life!

Visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org and click the blue “Register” icon.

We promise it will be the best minute of your day.

Donate Life America has launched their new national, mobile-friendly registry in New Jersey. We’re excited to pilot this program and here’s why: • The National Donate Life Registry now makes it possible for all New Jersey residents to register as organ and tissue donors within seconds.

• Once you are registered, you are registered for life.

Statistics show that 95% of Americans are in favor of organ donation. Please take a minute (just 60 seconds!) to register, then share with your family and friends!

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