Circle of Life Magazine: Winter 2010

DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 1

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ISSUE 2

A publicAtion of nJ ShAring networK

CALL OF DUTY Police, firefighters build “Legacy of Heroes”

OF GRACE AND GRATITUDE

Families, transplant recipients honor donors

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 4,600 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation, and is part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the over 109,000 people on waiting lists.

CONTACT INFORMATION

BY MAIL: NJ Sharing Network 691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 PHONE: 1-800-SHARE-NJ (1-800-742-7365) 908-516-5400 / FAX: 908-516-5501

www.sharenj.org

GOVERNING BOARD Charles G. Walker Chair Director of Operations, Overlook Hospital

Joseph M. Gorrell, Esq. Vice Chair Brach Eichler, LLC

Margaret Dreker Treasurer

John J. Halperin, M.D. Secretary Department of Neurosciences, Overlook Hospital

Patrick M. Buddle, M.D. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Jersey Shore University Medical Center

RESOLVE TO BE A HERO, LEAVE A LEGACY It’s that time of year when we start thinking about what resolutions we’ll make for the new year – and whether, this time, we will keep them. If you’re like most people, your resolution probably had something to do with health issues, eating better or less, exercising more, etc. And if you’re like most people, you didn’t keep yours. Surveys show that more than 80 percent of people break their resolutions in the first month of the year alone!

When considering resolutions, we at NJ Sharing Network invite you to consider making a lifesaving resolution. By resolving to be an organ and tissue donor – either when getting or renewing your driver license or by following the steps on page 4 to register online – you can be a hero and help save lives. Currently, there are more than 109,000 people waiting for a life-saving transplant in the U.S. Over 4,600 of them are in New Jersey.

In this, our second issue of Circle of Life, we celebrate heroes of all ages, those who have made the decision to donate on behalf of a loved one, and those whose donation provided renewed life for another. Read about our recent Donor Family Memorial program (pg. 6-7).

Our cover feature (pg. 8) spotlights some of the volunteers working on our new Legacy of Heroes initiative. Like many of our volunteers, these four transplant recipients are grateful for the gift of life and have resolved to advocate on behalf of organ and tissue donation.

We’ve had a busy final quarter of 2010. We have a bigger, better NJ Sharing Network Foundation, which is taking on exciting new initiatives that you can read about in Foundation News (pgs. 12-15).

We held an Open House at our new offices in New Providence (pg. 11), continue our outreach to high school and college students (pg. 15), and continue to find ways to honor donors who have given the ultimate gift (pgs. 11, 13 and back cover).

We resolve to keep you informed, to respect and offer tribute to donors and their families, and to stay true to our mission of saving lives. We hope you will join us.

Judith E. Burgis Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

William G. Dressel, Jr. Executive Director, New Jersey State League of Municipalities

Edward J. Florio, Esq. Florio & Kenny, LLP

Bruce I. Goldstein, Esq. Sills Cummis & Gross PC

Aline M. Holmes, R.N.

Joseph S. Roth President and Chief Executive Officer NJ Sharing Network

Senior Vice President, Clinical Affairs New Jersey Hospital Association

Richard G. Popiel, M.D. Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Vito A. Pulito President, Finance GE Healthcare

Steven E. Ross. M.D. Director, Division of Trauma The Cooper Health System

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AUGUST 2010

A quilt square honoring Giants fan and father, Justin Daniel Giblock. Read more about touching remembrances of donors by family members on page 6.

SHARING NEWS

ADVISORY BOARD Michael Shapiro, M.D. Board Chair Transplant Surgeon Representative

DMVs Driving Organ Donation Department of Motor Vehicle leaders from 10 states and much of Eastern Canada gathered in Atlantic City this summer for the Region 1 American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators conference, where they heard from NJ MVC Commissioner Ray Martinez and NJ Sharing Network’s own Jessica Melore about the important role they play in saving lives.

Jessica, a heart transplant recipient who had her life-saving surgery more than 11 years ago, spoke about the importance and impact of organ donation. DMV partnerships have led to a 70% increase in donor registrations in New Jersey and a 50% increase nationwide since 2006, explained Jessica, Senior Education and Programs Manager and Donate Life New Jersey's primary liaison with NJ MVC. Bob Grill, NJ MVC's Director of Agency Services and a representative on the Donate Life New Jersey task force, also attended the event.

Departments of motor vehicles represent

Vice Chair Transplant Center Administrator Representative

David A. Laskow, M.D. Board Secretary Transplant Surgeon Representative

Loretta Aigner, R.N. Transplant Center Administrator Representative

Gail Clegg Organ and Tissue Donor Family Member Representative

Roseann DiBrienza, R.N., M.S. Hospital Administrator Representative

Katherine Gallante Voluntary Health Organization Representative

Stuart R. Geffner, M.D. Transplant Surgeon Representative Jessica Melore, NJ Sharing Network with Neil Schuster, President and CEO of AAMVA National at the Region I AAMVA meeting

Michael Gould, M.D. Emergency Room Personnel Representative

Debra L. Morgan

a critical component in the donation process, accounting for a massive 97 percent of donor designations through license and ID registrations and renewals. To register as a donor, visit your local MVA or register online at www.donatelifenj.org.

Providing Dignity and Compassion End of life decision-making can be overwhelming for families who have just lost a loved one. Organ and tissue donation is just one of many choices with which grieving loved ones are faced. That’s why providing dignity with sincere compassion is the goal of Jamie and Antonio Alvarez, proprietors of Alvarez Funeral Home. NJ Sharing Network recognizes the Alvarez Funeral Home for the support of the donation process and the families that have made the choice to give the gift of life.

Mark J. Zucker, M.D.

While they do not advise families on the issue of donation, the Alvarez brothers are known for creating a “donation friendly” atmosphere. Jamie says the donation process “is a matter of preparation and learning how to work with these cases,” advice he offers other funeral directors. “Donation has never been a problem with regards to the viewing, the wake or the funeral.”

Transplant Center Administrator Representative

Shamkant Mulgaonkar, M.D. Transplant Center Administrator Representative

Trish O’Keefe, R.N. Hospital Administrator Representative

Ty J. Olson, M.D. Neurosurgeon Representative

John S. Radomski, M.D. Transplant Surgeon Representative

Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD Human Histocompatibility Specialist Representative

Francis J. Rienzo, MBA General Public Representative

Bruce Stroever Tissue Bank Representative

Harry Sun, M.D. Transplant Surgeon Representative

Happy Birthday to Life!

Surprisingly, people ages 18-21 are among the lowest number of registered organ and tissue donors in New Jersey. To help create awareness this fall and winter, NJ Sharing Network has launched a new birthday card campaign targeting New Jersey residents on their 18th Birthday.

The goal is to remind 18-year-olds that they can legally register as organ and tissue donors and help save lives when they get their new basic driver licenses at Motor Vehicles. The birthday cards contain a mock driver license featuring

the teen’s name, and also include a Donate Life NJ air freshener. www.sharenj.org

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Answering Common Questions About Organ & Tissue Donation Do my religious beliefs prevent me from considering organ donation?

Major religions support organ donation. In fact, the Rabbinical Council of America has approved organ donation and Pope John Paul II referred to organ donation as an act of great love.

Do Baptists believe in organ donation?

Baptists believe that organ and tissue donation is advocated as an act of charity. In 1988, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution supporting donation as a way to alleviate suffering and have compassion for the needs of others.

What is the Moslem perspective on Donation?

The Moslem Religious Council initially rejected organ donation by followers of Islam in 1983, but it has since reversed its position provided that donors consent in writing in advance. The organs and tissue of Moslem donors must be transplanted immediately and not be stored in tissue banks.

Does Catholicism allow for organ donation?

Catholics view organ donation as an act of charity, fraternal love and self sacrifice. Transplants are ethically and morally acceptable to the Vatican.

What do Judaism teachings say on this subject?

Judaism teaches that saving a human life takes precedence over maintaining the sanctity of the human body.

Do Protestants believe in organ donation?

Protestantism also encourages and endorses organ donation. Protestants respect the individual's conscience and a person's right to make decisions regarding his or her own body.

For more information on religious views, please visit our website, www.sharenj.org.

How to Register to Become an Organ and Tissue Donor Please visit www.donatelifenj.org, and click on “Become a Donor” Complete the demographic information form and hit submit or click “No thanks, please take me to the online registry”. This brings you to the secure NJ MVC Donate Life NJ registration page.

IMPORTANT AT THIS POINT—Do NOT provide any information.

Click on the USER ID NUMBER REQUEST link to begin registration. Go to “User Authentication” and enter your credentials: zip code, driver’s license number, and social security number and click “continue.”

1 2 Robert Good, Kidney Recipient

Click on box to register online and click submit. Click on the circle to donate organ and click “continue.”

Review this page and click on submit. Print the organ donor confirmation page for your records.

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DECEMBER 2010

ABOVE AND BEYOND South Korean Students Visit NJ Sharing Network to Learn About Organ Donation, Bringing Message of Life Back Home Four South Korean students from Kangwon National University spent part of their summer visiting with NJ Sharing Network staff to learn about organ and tissue donation and outreach. Calling themselves Team ATO (Amazing Treasure of Organ team), the group eagerly took their newly acquired knowledge home to South Korea, where organ and tissue donation information is scarce.

“While NJ Sharing Network’s main focus is to educate New Jerseyans about organ and tissue donation and increase donor registration, the message of life is a global message,” said Joe Roth, President and Chief Executive Officer of NJ Sharing Network. “The students learned how to reach out and educate the South Korean

population about organ and tissue donation, where the need for organ donors is urgent. We were delighted to welcome these students to our facilities to share with them our message and outreach methodology. We look forward to seeing their efforts materialize in South Korea.”

NJ Sharing Network continually strives to advance the organ donation message through education, outreach and policy. One of NJ Sharing Network’s most significant recent achievements includes the passing of the NJ Hero Act, which mandates life-saving organ and tissue donation curriculum to high schools and colleges.

The students’ visit provided NJ Sharing Network with an opportunity to make an impact on a more global level.

Team ATO members from Kangwon National University in South Korea were made up of seniors Shin Soo-Jeong and Ye-Byung Hyun and juniors Hur Lee-Kyoung and Beon Kan-Joo. For some, this marked their first visit to the United States.

CARING COMMUNITIES National Donor Sabbath Supports Those Awaiting Transplants

Religious leaders along with a donor mom and NJ Sharing Network representatives celebrated Organ and Tissue Donation during National Donor Sabbath

NJ Sharing Network celebrated National Donor Sabbath to raise public awareness about transplantation and the critical need for donated organs, eyes and tissue. The program is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Religious leaders and members of various congregations demonstrated support for the more than 4,600 patients in New Jersey who are

currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants.

Some people organized New Jersey Donate Life Registry drives in their houses of worship or their community.

National Donor Sabbath kicked off with a program on Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Organ and Tissue Donation at the JFK Center in Edison on November 2. Several speakers shared their views on transplantation, including Christian, Muslim, Catholic and Jewish perspectives.

In addition, a program titled A Spiritual, Personal & Clinical Perspective on Organ and Tissue Donation, was held at the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness Conference Center in Mercerville on November 17.

Participants at both events heard personal stories of life-saving transplants from transplant recipients.

NJ Partner Hospitals Receive National Honors New Jersey hospitals received national honors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the 6th National Learning Congress for the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice held in Grapevine, Texas on November 3. Silver medal winners from New Jersey were: Chilton Memorial Hospital, Clara Maass Memorial Hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Barnabas Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. Morristown Memorial Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center received bronze medals. All were recognized for achieving a donation rate of 75 percent or more of eligible donors at their facilities, among other accomplishments.

www.sharenj.org

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Healing Hearts Romelle Holmgren Lysenko, NJ Sharing Network’s Donor Family Aftercare Coordinator, shares words of healing.

Tears flowed moments after donor family members stepped inside The Palace at Somerset Park for NJ Sharing Network's annual Donor Family Memorial Program. Families mingled in the foyer, conversing softly with others, who like them, had lost a loved one and made the decision to give complete strangers the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Seeing a photo tribute to their mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, or sons and daughters brought many to tears.

Tears of loss.

Tears of remembrance.

Tears of love.

They also viewed quilts depicting other donors. In their possession, they held squares lovingly made by family members that would later be pinned to new quilts, so that their loved ones’ ultimate gift of life could help educate others about organ and tissue donation.

Pastor Jay Arisso, who gave the convocation, noted that the issue of organ donation recently hit close to home. His father, Joaquin Arisso, Sr., is expected to undergo a kidney transplant in December, thanks to the generosity of a relative who has agreed to be a living

Donor families gather to pay tribute, celebrate generosity of loved ones

donor.

“Thank you for the moment you made the decision,” said Pastor Arisso, who serves as Family Support Coordinator with NJ Sharing Network. “Thank you for the gift. Thank you for thinking of others. Simply thank you. Because of people like you, my father will be able to live.”

Attendees heard from three organ and tissue recipients, including Jessica Melore, who suffered a heart attack at 16, and became a heart recipient after waiting nine long months on a list. “I want to thank each of you, who through the gift of life have saved lives like mine,” she said. Jessica then lit a remembrance candle in honor of all of the New Jersey donors who died in 2009 and 2010.

Jim Rhatican, a liver recipient, thanked the 300 donor families in attendance for the strength and courage in donating a loved one’s organs. “I’m alive today because someone made that decision. It’s a gift of love. That’s what you showed me without knowing me. Thank you on behalf of all recipients.”

Fourteen-year-old Ursula Widocki, a tissue recipient, shared how she is now able to enjoy

Quilts of Love: Making a Meaningful Mosaic In a moving ceremony, family members took turns pinning individual, handmade squares honoring loved ones onto a quilt during the annual Donor Family Memorial Program held October 17. Tom Kowalski, father of donor Kristopher Kowalski, pinned a square honoring his son’s love of nature on a quilt. He and wife, Nanci, said they found the remembrance program healing.

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DECEMBER 2010

Claudia Flanagan and son, Raymond, attended the event to pay tribute to Raymond’s sister, Sofia Esperanza Flanagan, who became a donor before her fourth birthday.

swimming, riding a bicycle, running and playing soccer. “My experience taught me the importance of being a donor,” she said. “It is a great gift of love for others.”

The speeches were followed by a poignant ceremony where the names of donors were read aloud and one by one, a family member pinned an individual square honoring their lost loved one, slowly building a quilted collage of donors’ faces.

One square featured a pink crown and photo of a bejeweled 3-and-half-year-old princess, framed in sequins. Sofia Esperanza Flanagan who succumbed to bacterial meningitis on September 22, 2009, is shown holding a princess scepter and smiling for the camera. The quilt square was adoringly made by Sofia’s aunt, Maria Asencio, and her mother, Claudia Flanagan, who said there was never any doubt it would have “sparkles.” Every night she worked on it, Claudia said, she cried. “But it’s very healing, and crying is good.”

The square honoring 26-year-old Kristopher Kowalski, who died on November 22, 2009, featured his handsome face and a little bird, a symbol of both his love of nature and a quote that has provided his parents a small amount of comfort. “He was a tormented soul,” said his mother, Nanci. “He took his own life. We wanted to honor him. God finds a little branch for the bird that cannot fly.”

Both families said they took solace in knowing they were not alone in their loss and grief. They found the program respectful and healing. Above all, the event, held on a beautiful, crisp Sunday afternoon, was marked by an incredible outpouring of love and gratitude.

“It meant the world,” said Kristopher’s father, Tom Kowalski. “This was by far the kindest gesture anyone could have done in our son’s honor.” The Kowalskis, who traveled to Somerset from Wall in Monmouth County and have become involved in suicide prevention efforts, added that they felt tremendous love and support throughout the event.

The Flanagans said they spoke with a family that also had lost a child. “It’s healing for me to speak about her,” Claudia said. Her husband, Christopher, added, “It helps to know other people are in the same boat. You know that intellectually, but to share on a personal level is helpful.” It also helps to know that their daughter’s kidneys helped save the lives of a man and a woman, they said.

The Giblocks, who lost their 26-year-old son Justin as a result of a motorcycle accident, also found some comfort in the event. “Hearing from those who received organs really helped

An Expression of Thanks and Giving November 5, 2010 Dear Sharing Network Staff, The memorial program honoring my husband, Jeff Faue, (left) and the other donors was very special and all of you should be proud of the caring and empathy expressed to so many people through your efforts.

Prior to the service, I had planned to donate my body to research, but I have changed my decision and will now be an organ donor. It is a wonderful way to help the living through a generous offer in death.

Jeff was a social worker and was a compassionate and caring person who would have been pleased with the service to acknowledge his donation of organs. I’m sure he would have enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee with each of you and found people he could admire for their devotion to make life better for the living.

With sincere thanks and appreciation, Alice Kelly me,” said Justin’s mother, Suzanne. “It’s a comforting place to be,” added Justin’s younger brother Shaun, 24.

The Giblocks also find solace in knowing that a man in Detroit can now see after a successful corneal transplant and that a Maryland woman received a kidney and pancreas transplant thanks to their son’s donations. Justin’s square featured his love for the New York Giants and his son, John Edward.

In addition to the quilt pinning ceremony, the program also featured a Photo Tribute, a slide show of loved ones lost, and a Presentation to Families, during which families received a bronze “Gift of Life Donor” medal, a single

salmon-colored rose, and often an embrace.

In a moving speech titled “Remember, Laugh, Love – Reflections on Life After Loss,” Romelle Holmgren Lysenko, NJ Sharing Network’s Donor Family Aftercare Coordinator, shared her personal story of losing her mother, father and 7-year-old son, Scott, who died seven years ago, and offered comforting words to families.

Seven years ago, I never could have imagined that I would be here today, speaking to all of you. Although your lives will never be the same, I ask you to think about the possibilities for tomorrow. Your strength has taken you this far, it brought you here today. I won’t tell you that it’s easy, but I do believe it is possible.

“I challenge all of you to remember your loved ones, tell their stories, say their names, and laugh like you are in those memories. You are the ones to carry on their legacy. They are still a part of you. Although the tears may come, there is healing in the tears.

It is a choice. We did not get to choose what happened to our loved ones, our only choice is how we respond. I wish all of you peace in this journey, the caring and support of others, and the courage to embrace life again.”

At various times throughout the program, a child’s laughter rang out. It was that of Sofia Flanagan’s little brother, 2-year-old Raymond, a tender reminder that the circle of life continues.

Donor families were presented with a bronze “Gift of Life Donor” medal, a frame and single rose in remembrance of their loved ones. Lewis Davenport, husband of donor Dorothy Davenport, embraces NJ Sharing Network staff member.

To see more pictures from our events, please visit our event section at sharenj.org.

www.sharenj.org

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A Legacy of

Heroes

Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Personnel Continue to Save Lives Through Organ And Tissue Donation, Volunteerism.

Fallen Jersey City Police Detective Marc DiNardo was a great example, not just to the blue brotherhood, but to first responders in the business of saving lives. Officer DiNardo died in the line of duty, but his legacy of heroism lives on: the father of three saved the lives of three people through organ donation.

His sacrifice resulted in discussions between the Police Benevolent Association, Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association and NJ Sharing Network, ultimately resulting in the Legacy of Heroes. Believed to be the first program of its kind in the country, the Legacy of Heroes brings together state emergency workers, firefighters and police officers who pledge to become donors and educate others about organ and tissue donation.

The following are four task force volunteers – all with ties to law enforcement or firefighting. All are transplant recipients. All are carrying on the Legacy of Heroes.

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DECEMBER 2010

Steven Sims, 61 Retired Police Officer, East Orange Police Department Officer Steven Sims was one of those men who never wanted to see a doctor, no matter how sick he felt. So it took an emergency hospital visit in January 2005 to diagnose a heart problem and the fact that at 56 he was in desperate need of a new heart.

After initially refusing to be put on a transplant list, he agreed – thanks to Hearty Hearts volunteers. The group, made up of people who have undergone heart transplantation at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, visited him there and answered all of his questions.

On March 14, his mother’s birthday, he received the heart of a 24-year-old man who had died in a car accident.

Steven, who retired in 2006 after 23 years with the East Orange Police Department, is proud to continue honoring his oath to serve

and protect – through voluntarism. Today, he is a one-day-a-week Hearty Hearts volunteer. A speech to East Side High School in Newark, as part of his volunteer work with NJ Sharing Network’s High School Heroes program, made quite an impact. A young man who heard him later encouraged his family to donate the organs of his 18-year-old sister, Maria Pomavilla, who died after a hit-and-run, helping five people in urgent need of transplants. “She’s my number one hero,” he said, adding that her brother is a close second.

Steven sees his doctor regularly these days.

And he begins each day with this little prayer: “Thank you God for letting me live another day.”

Doug Sisk, 46, Retired Firefighter, Bayonne Fire Department Juvenile diabetes didn’t stop Doug Sisk from being a Bayonne firefighter. But after suffering a toe amputation, a stroke, and kidney

Transplant recipients and volunteers (l to r) Steven Sims, Doug Sisk, Elaine Trillich and James Wood

www.sharenj.org

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Legacy of Heroes (continued from pg. 9) problems, the disease finally took a toll on his health—ultimately ending his career. He started dialysis and went on an organ transplant waiting list in March 2009. Six months later, he became one of only 16 kidney-pancreas transplants performed in New Jersey in 2009.

Thanks to the Perez family, Doug is alive to help spread the word about organ and tissue donation. He was one of five people who received organs from 17-year-old Ines Jahira Perez, who died after a motorcycle accident. He would later discover Ines was a native of his beloved Bayonne.

“My diabetes is gone, which is unbelievable to me. I’m the healthiest I’ve been in 25 years,” he says. “People see I’m healthy and that organ donation really does work.”

he had to go on dialysis. Eventually, he decided to be added to an organ transplant list.

His health challenges continued even after receiving a donor kidney in 1993. His heart failed, but he was revived by doctors. He underwent surgery to remove parts of his intestines and stomach.

Despite efforts to save it, his first donor kidney lasted exactly seven years before failing.

“It was a good seven,” says James appreciatively.

“In those years, my wife and I had our third child. We call her our transplant baby, but named her after my grandmother, Christina.”

James went back on dialysis and a waiting list for seven years. During that time, he saw his two eldest children graduate high school. His daughter went on to college and is now a

“Life is short. Love the life you have and the people in it.”

–James Wood, transplant recipient Through his volunteer training, Doug learned that as an organ recipient, he, too, can be a potential donor. “One person that donates can help up to 50 people,” he says.

Although he no longer battles blazes, Doug continues to fight on behalf of others, helping to register as many donors as possible.

James Wood, 46 Volunteer Firefighter, Wallington Fire Department James Wood was not about to let failing kidneys keep him from his duties as a Wallington volunteer firefighter. He continued fighting flames until he just couldn't anymore. Sidelined,

teacher. His son is—what else?—a firefighter.

Christina is currently in 8th grade.

Despite ongoing health challenges, including a heart attack earlier this year, James now volunteers on behalf of NJ Sharing Network, working to register organ and tissue donors.

Already, his brothers, sisters and friends have registered as donors.

“I’m enjoying life with my wonderful wife of 24 years and my children that I love so dearly.

I owe this all to my two donors. If not for them and the caring of NJ Sharing Network and all the doctors, I would not be here,” says James, who works as a professional photographer for Wallington and three other towns.

Expressing a Lifetime of Gratitude Through NJ Sharing Network, Doug Sisk is in touch with his donor’s mother, Ines Rosa, whose daughter, Ines Jahira Perez, 17, died after a motorcycle accident. A thankful Doug says: “It’s a tragic thing to happen and a courageous effort on the worst day of her life. She saved a lot of people’s lives, mine included. To thank this mother is not enough.

Honestly, it’s just not enough.”

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DECEMBER 2010

Elaine Trillich holds a photo of her donor, Officer John Moran, to whom she is forever grateful for helping to make marriage and motherhood a reality for her.

“Life is short. Love the life you have and the people in it,” he offers.

Elaine Trillich, 36 Daughter and goddaughter of Newark Police Officers The strength of the police community has always been a force in Elaine’s life. Her father, godfather and donor were all police officers.

Elaine’s life changed the day a donor kidney became available through a directed donation from a Tampa, Florida police officer who died from a brain aneurism. While rare, directed donations allow a donor to designate to whom his/her organs should go.

As luck would have it, the kidney was a better than average match for 21-year old Elaine, who had been on dialysis for a year and a half after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

In death, Officer John Moran gave Elaine the gift of life – and two things she didn’t dare dream for herself: marriage and a family. Elaine has now been married 12 years to Herb Trillich, a volunteer firefighter in Denville, and they have a son, Wyatt, 8.

When she’s not busy being a student at New Jersey City University and what she describes as a typical suburban mom, Elaine volunteers with NJ Sharing Network to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.

She’s especially proud to help with the Legacy of Heroes initiative. It makes perfect sense to ask police, fire and EMS workers to become organ donors, she says, because “by the nature of their careers, they do altruistic things.”

life

SOCIAL 1

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Open House Celebrates Dedication of New Headquarters NJ Sharing Network celebrated its new headquarters with an official Open House and Building Dedication on October 14. About 150 people weathered a rainy evening to attend the celebration at 691 Central Avenue in New Providence. Many attendees toured the 48,000 square foot facility that boasts one the largest labs in the country. “This building is a tribute to the donors and their families, who gave others the opportunity to experience the world,” Charles G. “Gary” Walker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, told the audience. Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Raymond Martinez, New Providence Mayor John Thoms and Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson Briggs were in attendance and spoke briefly.

Chief Administrator Martinez said the MVC performs many important jobs, but none as important as saving lives through donor registration in partnership with NJ Sharing Network. He said that the MVC will feature advertising on monitors at its many offices in the future and pledged to incorporate donor-related public service announcements.

Mayor Thoms, who said it was an honor to have an organization such as NJ Sharing Network in New Providence, shared that neither he nor his wife had ever given much thought to the donor box on driver’s license forms. By happenstance, both he and his wife had to renew their licenses shortly after NJ Sharing Network moved from Springfield to New Providence and he had visited the new headquarters. “Both of us are now donors,” he said proudly. NJ Sharing Network President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Roth, and Chairman Walker ceremoniously cut a cake instead of a ribbon.

Pictured above: 1. NJ Sharing Network’s Director of External Relations and Operations, Melissa Honohan, leads a tour of our new headquarters. 2. NJ MVC leaders present a Share NJ donor license plate to NJ Sharing Network President and CEO, Joseph Roth.

Honoring Donors One Wall at a Time The family of organ donor Edison Hernandez attended the opening ceremony for the recently unveiled “Wall of Heroes” at Jersey City Medical Center. The new wall features photographs of donors and letters from transplant recipients, personalizing the impact of the gift of life and hopefully inspiring others to learn more about organ and tissue donation. Feedback from both donor families and transplant recipients about the wall, which is located next to critical care waiting areas, has been positive. The wall was made possible through a grant from the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. www.sharenj.org

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ATION NE WS • FOUNDATION NE WS • FO Message from the Executive Director

Sharing Foundation

Dear Friends of NJ Sharing Network, There is power in philanthropy. Giving to a charitable cause near and dear to one’s heart allows one to leave a legacy. I’m thankful to be in the business of philanthropy and play a small part in helping others leave that legacy.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION NJ Sharing Network Foundation generates philanthropic support for the various programs of NJ Sharing Network. Your support can help increase the number of lives saved through organ and tissue donation.

Please make a contribution today at www.njsharingnetworkfoundation.org

FOUNDATION BOARD Donna Albanese, Chairperson Dairy Queen of Plainfield Resident of Scotch Plains

Marla Bace

It’s been a busy and exciting nine months since I came to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. I was happy to meet so many of you, friends of NJ Sharing Network and Foundation, during our Open House. I look forward to staying connected.

As this year comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect and be grateful. I am thankful to our dedicated NJ Sharing Network staff members who do an incredible job, with compassion, understanding and devotion. I’m thankful to our volunteers who give of their valuable time to help educate others about organ and tissue donation. I’m thankful to our hospitals and transplant centers, which – through science and medicine – make transplantation possible.

And I am extremely thankful to our donor families who, at their most dire hour, have unselfishly given the gift of life to a stranger, and to all of those who have made contributions to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation to ensure that the legacy of those donors lives on. Thank you.

Brinton Eaton Resident of Berkeley Heights

Phyllis A. Caputo, RN Resident of Fairfield

Alberta D’Addio Resident of Watchung

J.D. de Leon Resident of Jersey City

Elisse E. Glennon Executive Director

Phyllis L. Elin Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office Resident of Morristown

Philip S. Kolm Investors Savings Bank Commercial Banking Group Resident of Fort Lee

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

Charles T. Pace, CPA, CMA, MBA Resident of Oakland

Marisa Patawaran-Tonnesen Impact Wealth Advisory Group, LLC Resident of Randolph

Anthony E. Pizzutillo

Foundation Unveils Goals and Plan

Smith Pizzutillo LLC Resident of Lawrenceville

Stephen Priolo

Commitment Marked by New Programs, Services and Events for 2011

NJN Public Television & Radio Resident of Voorhees

Mark E. Reagan Marsh, Inc., Global Construction Practice Resident of Basking Ridge

Bernard Simon Resident of Edison

Myles Varley Personal Resource Management Associates, Inc. Resident of Mount Olive Township

Ex-Officio Members: Joseph Roth

Barry Newman

President and CEO NJ Sharing Network

Chief Financial Officer NJ Sharing Network

Elisse Glennon Executive Director NJ Sharing Network Foundation 908-516-5614 • eglennon@sharenj.org

A re-energized Foundation Board is enthusiastic and committed to the mission of NJ Sharing Network, as evidenced by their commitment to raise $1 million in 2011 to foster education, public service programs and research with respect to organ and tissue donation and transplantation. To assist with this estimable goal, the Board brought on four new members: J.D. de Leon, Philip S. Kolm, Marisa Patawaran-Tennesen and Stephen Priolo. In addition, we’ve put a top notch team in place, expanding the services we’ll be able to provide

as the Foundation.

In 2010 the Foundation kicked off new initiatives, such as the College Outreach Program, and already, we’re busy planning for two major events, our inaugural 5K in 2011 and 25th Anniversary Gala in 2012. And we will establish a donor memorial wall to recognize contributions made in memory of organ and tissue donors.

We look forward to the active participation of our community of partners as we work to reach our goals.

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DECEMBER 2010

OUNDATION NE WS • FOUNDATION NE WS Foundation Grants Provide Comfort, Education & Support In honor of those who gave, on behalf of those who received, and with hope for those who continue to wait.

Grants from the NJ Sharing Network Foundation helped create two new, hospitalbased memorial projects this year. Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) created an organ and tissue donor memorial garden, while Jersey City Medical Center created a “Wall of Heroes” to memorialize organ and tissue donors. The latter, which is part of a national initiative, features framed photographs of donors and letters from grateful transplant recipients, personalizing the impact of the gift of life and hopefully, inspiring families facing end-of-life decisions to learn more about organ and tissue donation. We hope to see donor memorials like these at every hospital in our donation service area.

In addition, NJ Sharing Network Foundation was pleased to support the following new programs with grants:

• HOSpiTal EduCaTiOn: Phone stickers with NJ Sharing Network referral number printed on an antibacterial square, which will be adhered to all hospital phones under the receiver. The goal is to educate hospital staff and increase the number of organ and tissue referrals from hospitals with which we are affiliated. NJ Sharing Network referrals and timely notification increased to 100% in the first month of the sticker campaign.

• COMMuniTY OuTREaCH: Netbooks will be purchased to help increase the number of on-site donor registrations during community events.

• dOnOR FaMilY SuppORT: – A beautiful Donor Family Tributes keepsake

book was provided to attendees of our annual Donor Family Memorial Program on October 17.

– Yarn and other supplies will be provided to a new Wrapped in Love program, which will allow for shawls, either knitted or crocheted, to be given to donor families as simple, yet powerful expressions of comfort and compassion at the time of loss.

It is our goal at the NJ Sharing Network Foundation to support the work of NJ Sharing Network and to increase the number of lives saved through education, research and public awareness about the benefits of donation and transplantation.

Give a Little, Leave a Legacy With a Planned Gift Strategies to preserve wealth can include tax-deductible donations to NJ Sharing Network Foundation maximizing deductions and income, while giving financially to your charitable cause.

Through planned giving, you may be able to select, with the help of a financial and legal professional, a meaningful way to make a gift that will accomplish all of your objectives, which may include the following:

Sharing your wealth with the community and supporting a cause that you feel strongly about, may be very important to you. For many individuals, giving, whether emotionally or financially, is a part of their being. Therefore, there may be a natural inclination to continue to give financially as part of your legacy.

If your goal is to give something back to the community, while benefiting your family, planned giving is something you may want to consider. There are strategies you may want to think about now to preserve wealth, such as

• Benefiting a religious, social, community or cultural cause that is important to you by making a substantial gift that is receivable after death.

• Saving money that would ordinarily go to the government in income, estate and gift taxes and, instead, use those dollars to benefit your charitable cause.

• Supplementing your pension plan with a steady stream of retirement income.

• Minimizing or eliminating capital gains tax by donating appreciated assets to charity and receive lifetime income benefits for

you and your family.

• Obtaining a substantial federal income tax deduction today.

Isn’t it better to give a little…and gain a lot?

By sharing your wealth and making a substantial charitable gift, you can make a difference– and be remembered for it. It is never too late to get started on your own giving plan.

To make a planned gift or for more information, please contact Elisse Glennon, Executive Director, NJ Sharing Network Foundation at eglennon@sharenj.org or 908-516-5695.

Excerpted from an article by Lillian Sonnenschein, LUTCF, Financial Representative, New England Financial. New England Financial is the registered mark for New England Life Insurance Company, Boston, MA 02116. Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, New England Financial is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this document is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of insurance products. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. New England Financial, its agents, and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change. Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary depending on the facts and circumstances. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisers regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances.L1110143610 [exp1210][NJ]

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DONATION

matters

please remember the nJ Sharing network Foundation in your year-end giving.

We are a not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3) of the internal Revenue Code. Your charitable contribution may be tax deductible.

NJ Sharing Network Foundation is pleased to report that we have been accepted as a new beneficiary of the Community Health Charities corporate campaigns. If you work for a company that has a Community Health Charities corporate campaign, please designate the NJ Sharing Network Foundation by writing it in on the donor form.

If your company offers the opportunity of giving through an employee giving campaign, please designate your contribution to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. If your company matches employees’ charitable contributions, please remember to indicate that you have made a contribution to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation so that we may become the recipient of those matching funds.

Musicians jammed at Papa Carl’s Jam for Life on October 3 at Kat Man Du in Trenton, NJ. Launched in honor of Papa Carl’s kidney and liver transplant on September 17, 2004, the annual fund-raising event has grown each year, attracting more than 20 bands this year.

A portion of the proceeds was donated to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation.

NJ Sharing Network Foundation has launched our new website! Visitors to the site will have access to Foundation news and information, event registration and even a convenient way to make online donations. In addition, a new, interactive "In Memoriam" page allows donor families to honor their loved ones.

Check us out at www.njsharingnetworkfoundation.org.

Don’t forget to fan us at facebook.com/njsharingnetworkfoundation

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OUNDATION NE WS • FOUNDATION NE WS College Outreach Initiative Seeks Student Ambassadors students, New Jersey colleges provide an opportunity to spread the word about organ and tissue donation and enroll donors, particularly among targeted groups, such as African American, Hispanic and young donors.

NJ Sharing Network volunteers are already staffing tables at college health fairs and blood drives. Other partnership activities include:

NJ Sharing Network is looking to expand its new College Outreach Initiative (COI), which kicked off this school year. The COI comes a year after the successful launch of our High School Heroes initiative, which enlists and targets high school students around the issue of organ and tissue donation. Now, we are actively seeking college students and groups to take on the cause.

The goals of this initiative are to raise donor awareness in the college community, increase NJ donor registrations among college students, and raise funds for the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. With an estimated 400,000

• Ramapo College is organizing a club that will host fundraising events and hold donor registration drives.

• Drew University posted flyers in campus bathroom stalls, detailing important facts about organ and tissue donation. The flyers prompted students to contact us about action they can take to support our cause.

• Muhlenberg College students participated in the 2nd annual Joe D’Addio Softball Tournament, a fundraiser benefiting NJ Sharing Network Foundation. Student Alyssa D’Addio founded the event in memory of her father, who was an organ donor.

• A public service announcement about organ and tissue donation was read during Monmouth University’s home football game on September 11. Champions for Life volunteers registered new donors on-site.

• Public service announcements about organ and tissue donation are being broadcast by Several NJ college radio stations including Seton Hall’s WSOU 89.5FM, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s WFDU 89.1FM and The College of New Jersey’s WTSR 91.3FM. • NJ college marketing professors partnered with NJ Sharing Network to create a project where students will develop an advertising campaign targeting college-age students.

If you attended a New Jersey college or have any ties to one and have an interest in helping with our College Outreach Initiative, please contact us for more information. We will provide students and groups with informational materials and some giveaways. Supporting our cause is a great way to maintain or gain accreditation for any student group. For more information, please contact Whitney Downer at WDowner@Sharenj.org or call 908-516-5431.

Ready, Set, GO! The ShareNJ 5K is coming soon!

Mark your calendars for the first Share NJ 5K Walk/Run. The race, which will begin at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence, is scheduled to take place on

Sunday, June 12, 2011.

Hosted by New Providence Business and Professional Association

For registration information and details, visit www.njsharingnetworkfoundation.org

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

PAID Union, NJ

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

Permit No. 931

‘TIS THE SEASON OF SHARING! “I would be okay if I never received another holiday gift, because I've already received the gift of a lifetime.”

–Morgan R. Johnson, Kidney recipient

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

Creative Expressions of Warmth and Comfort Volunteer knitters and crocheters sought for “Wrapped in Love” project Calling all knitters and crocheters. NJ Sharing Network is seeking to establish a new Wrapped in Love program. The goal of the program is to provide donor families with handmade shawls as an expression of compassion that is also comforting and tangible.

NJ Sharing Network’s Donor Family Aftercare Coordinator Romelle Holmgren Lysenko, who will oversee Wrapped in Love, said she recommended the program be implemented by NJ Sharing Network after learning of a similar program created by the Wisconsin Donor Network called Threads of Compassion. The program was launched by the Wisconsin Donor Network five years ago. During that time, about 100 volunteers have made more than 2,000

shawls, of which 1,800 have been distributed, said Lynn Baudo, Wisconsin Donor Network’s Volunteer Event Coordinator, who launched the program.

The Wrapped in Love shawls will be distributed to donor families at hospitals by NJ Sharing Network transplant coordinators. “It’s something so personal, a handmade expression of comfort that will be given to families at the time of their loss,” Romelle said.

The Wrapped in Love program was made possible by a grant from NJ Sharing Network Foundation, which will help provide supplies to the volunteer group for one year. Volunteers will meet once a month at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence to work on the

wraps.

If you are handy with a pair of knitting needles and are interested in participating in this program, please contact Romelle at RLysenko@sharenj.org or 908-516-5411. We look forward to hearing from you!

SAVE THE DATE June 12, 2011

September 26, 2011

Share NJ 5K Walk/Run New Providence, NJ

13th Annual Golf & Tennis Outing Plainfield Country Club

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