IN THE COMMUNITY
My Donation Connection
ou have the
JILLIAN PADILLA
Daughter of an organ donor, Clinical Administrative Assistant NJ Sharing Network
POWER
o save lives
#IGot
ThePower
You Have the Power to Save Lives, an educational video with accompanying brochure funded by Hearts for Emma, will start the donation conversation in schools across the state.
Must See! NJ Sharing Network’s latest exhibit at Liberty Science Center. Spring/Summer 2016
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NJSharingNet work .org
On September 25, 2013, I lost my father Richard following a tragic accident. Nearly two years later, I came home to find a large package that had arrived by mail. It was Father’s Day, and a flood of emotions came over me when I pulled out a beautiful shawl created by NJ Sharing Network volunteers in honor of my dad, an organ donor with seven children. I felt like he gave it to me. That moment changed my life. My mother Haydee and I decided we wanted to stay connected with this caring organization. We became certified volunteers for NJ Sharing Network soon after. I started knitting again, watching YouTube videos to learn how to make shawls. Five months after graduating from William Paterson University with a degree in Women’s Studies, I joined the staff at NJ Sharing Network. Now I will be helping to expand the “Wrapped in Love” program, working with a group of volunteers who create remembrance shawls and blankets for donor family members. It’s sad that I lost my dad, but I feel happy that I have this connection every day to his gift of life. It’s comforting to know that at least something good came out of it. Being here is so rewarding. Do You Knit, Crochet or Quilt? Join us in helping make handmade shawls and blankets for donor families and quilting squares created in memory of those who gave the gift of life. If you are interested, contact Jillian Padilla at jpadilla@njsharingnetwork.org.