FALL 2012 VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 2

A PUBLICATION OF NJ SHARING NETWORK

The Power to Save a Life Skilled surgeons explain how every successful transplant is part miracle

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES! 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 115,000 people on waiting lists. WHAT A SPECIAL AND REWARDING BOARD OF TRUSTEES YEAR 2012 IS PROVING TO BE John J. Halperin, MD Chair While we spent a great deal of time in 2012 celebrating the 25th Anniversary of NJ Sharing

Bruce I. Goldstein, Esq. Network, we never took our focus off what we celebrate every day: the lives saved through the Vice Chair selfless act of organ and tissue donation. Vito A. Pulito In this issue of Circle of Life , you can learn more about the great work that has been accom - Treasurer plished over the past year as well as how the process of organ and tissue donation connects people Marc H. Lory for life. Secretary This issue’s cover story reveals what it’s like to be a transplant surgeon, both a demanding and Patrick M. Buddle, MD emotional job, but one that is extremely rewarding (see page 8). Other articles discuss how lives Margaret Dreker can be intertwined forever after letter exchanges occur between a donor family and an organ recip - Edward J. Florio, Esq. ient (see page 13), and how a dynamic duo are paving the way to increase the current low organ Aline M. Holmes, RN and tissue donor registration rates in Hudson County (see page 3). Anthony L. Marchetta Awards were given and won this year. We gave our 25th Anniversary Circle of Life Award to our 54 hospital partners to acknowledge and celebrate years of partnership (see page 6), a teenage Howard A. Nelson girl, who is headed off to college to become a transplant surgeon, was awarded the Benjamin R. Richard G. Popiel, MD Chirls Scholarship to help her dream come true (see page 19), and our team of transplant recipient Timothy J. Touhey athletes won gold, silver and bronze at the Transplant Games (see page 22). As this year comes to a close, we’d like to give thanks to everyone who worked hard to help us achieve our goals. We’d also like to thank the hundreds of organ and tissue donors who selflessly EDITORIAL TEAM provided the gift of life to save and enhance the lives of others, as well as the thousands of others who are currently registered to be organ and tissue donors. Mara Barlow Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications Despite all our great accomplishments this year, there still are approximately 5,000 people on NJ Sharing Network the transplant waiting list in New Jersey. Work still needs to be done to increase the number of reg - Nell Ryan istered organ and tissue donors so that waiting lists can become a thing of the past. Creative Services Coordinator NJ Sharing Network In this time of giving, please think about ways you can help our efforts. If you encourage just Lernard Freeman one new person to register to become an organ or tissue donor, you are making a huge difference. Public Relations Manager NJ Sharing Network

Carrie Keating, RN, CCRN, CPTC Transplant Coordinator, Level 3 NJ Sharing Network

Romelle Holmgren Lysenko, MSW, LCSW Donor Family Aftercare Coordinator NJ Sharing Network Joseph S. Roth President and Chief Executive Officer CONTRIBUTORS: NJ Sharing Network Erika Desimone Designer/Creative Director Erika Desimone Design Jennifer Brennan Writer JCJ-Communications

Cover photo and editorial photography for feature story by Nell Ryan.

2 AUGUST 2010 ABOVE AND BEYOND ADVISORY BOARD Michael Shapiro, MD Chair Transplant Surgeon Representative

Loretta Aigner, RN Dynamic Duo Spreads Word About Transplant Center Administrator Representative

Gail Clegg Organ Donation in Hudson County Organ and Tissue Donor Family Member Representative

Roseann DiBrienza, RN, MS Maryann Rosenberg and Barbara Kuzmin - Public Representative ski, both from Bayonne, are on a life-saving mis - Katherine Kennedy sion and they won’t be stopped. Touched in Voluntary Health Organization Representative different ways by the miracle of organ donation Stuart R. Geffner, MD and transplantation, this dynamic duo has taken Transplant Surgeon Representative up the charge to move the mark on Hudson Michael Gould, MD County’s numbers for registered organ and tissue Emergency Room Personnel Representative donors. Sara E. Jensen, Esq. Public Representative Following the tragic loss of her 20-month old grandson, Jonathon Paul Kuzminski, in May David A. Laskow, MD Transplant Surgeon Representative 2011 and meeting Wyatt J. Fleming, the two year Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith presents Donate Life Bayonne Debra L. Morgan old recipient of Jonathon’s liver, Barbara with a proclamation for National Donate Life Month to Transplant Center Administrator Representative Kuzminski realized she had to do something to Barbara Kuzminski (center) and Maryann Rosenberg (right). Joining the “Dynamic Duo” are NJ Sharing Network's Alyssa Shamkant Mulgaonkar, MD help educate people about the importance of D'Addio and NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board Member Transplant Center Administrator Representative JD de Leon. organ and tissue donation. “Once I saw this little Trish O’Keefe, RN boy and his smile, and knowing he is now three Hospital Administrator Representative years old and in full remission because of my Peter’s College in Jersey City have become mem - Ty J. Olson, MD grandson’s liver, I know this is something I have bers of NJ Sharing Network’s Workplace for Life Neurosurgeon Representative to do,” said Barbara. “To see life come out of a initiative. Future programs have been arranged John S. Radomski, MD tragedy is truly amazing.” that will educate students of St. Peter’s College Transplant Surgeon Representative Maryann Rosenberg has experienced the about organ donation as a means to encourage Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD other side of the organ donation story numerous registration. Human Histocompatibility Specialist Representative Bruce Stroever times. Several members of her husband’s family And what Maryann and Barbara are doing Tissue Bank Representative -- including her husband, his brother and her hus - is working: the number of people who have Harry Sun, MD band’s aunt -- each became liver recipients over walked into the Bayonne motor vehicle agency Transplant Surgeon Representative the course of one year in 2004. Each was diag - to register as an organ donor has increased by 15 Dorian J. Wilson, MD nosed with a different life-threatening liver dis - percent this year. Transplant Surgeon Representative ease, requiring them to be put on the transplant “What these two women have been able to Mark J. Zucker, MD waiting list. In 2009, Maryann became a volun - do is simply amazing,” said Alyssa D’Addio, ed - Transplant Center Administrator Representative teer for NJ Sharing Network in large part be - ucation and partnerships coordinator at NJ Shar - cause, “My husband had a second chance at life. ing Network. “For years Hudson County has CONTACT INFORMATION If he hadn’t received his liver transplant when he been one of the lowest counties in the state when did, he would not be here spending the time with it comes to the number of registered organ and BY MAIL: NJ Sharing Network me and our four children like he has been able.” tissue donors. If it’s up to the dynamic duo of 691 Central Avenue As co-leaders of Donate Life Bayonne/Jer - Maryann and Barbara, these numbers will con - New Providence, NJ 07974 sey City, Maryann and Barbara are making sig - tinue to rise.” PHONE: 1-800-742-7365/908-516-5400 nificant strides in educating people about the Showing no signs of letting up these two in - FAX: 908-516-5501 importance of organ and tissue donation. These credible women are in it for the long haul. “This www.NJSharingNetwork.org women have been instrumental in securing edu - is something I have to do for the rest of my life,” cational table displays at local stores, libraries, fes - says Barbara. “There is no backing down. Now, I NJ Sharing Network is a member of tivals, health fairs, college campuses and motor have to go full-steam ahead and get the number Community Health Charities of NJ vehicle agencies. The City of Bayonne and St. of registered organ donors raised.”

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 3 SHARING NEWS NJ Sharing Network Leadership Invited Media Personality To Speak At National Conferences Spreads Organ

ference this year. MTF also presented NJ Shar - Donation ing Network with an award (pictured left) signi - Awareness fying 25 years of working together to enhance the lives of others through tissue transplant. Joe Roth also traveled to Chicago to share winning strategies for building a successful leadership team with members of the organ NJ Sharing Network President and CEO donation and transplant community at the an - Joe Roth and the executive director of the Foun - nual meeting of the Association of Organ dation, Elisse Glennon, along with their Procurement Organizations this past June. colleagues from the Gift of Life Donor Pro - Emphasizing the importance of an organization’s gram, were invited to speak about the power of core values and how leadership must be the first philanthropy in the organ and tissue donation to adopt them, Joe was able to highlight NJ Shar - community at the annual Musculoskeletal ing Network leadership staff successes using this Transplant Foundation (MTF) Leadership Con - approach.

Enlightening College Freshmen Minorities account for more than half Eastwick College in Ramsey, NJ has estab - of the individuals on the U.S. transplant lished a unique, highly successful program that waiting list, while only representing one- aids in educating students about the importance third of living and deceased donors. To of organ and tissue donation. One requirement help increase organ donor awareness in of the college is that every incoming freshman multicultural communities, donor families takes a 12-week freshman seminar class. One of and recipients from various ethnic groups, the 50-minute sessions is an educational presen - and NJ Sharing Network, worked with TV tation given by NJ Sharing Network followed by personality Ericka Pino to produce bi- a personal testimonial given by a donor family lingual public service announcements to member or an organ recipient. promote the life-saving benefits of organ Survey results demonstrate that these ses - percent pledged to register as a donor and 19 donation and encourage minorities to be - sions are very successful in delivering the organ percent said they would consider becoming one. come registered organ donors. These an - and tissue donation message to the students. Furthermore, a total of 94 percent of students nouncements are appearing on Comcast Prior to the session, only 33 percent were regis - pledged to tell other people about the impor - Cable this fall. tered organ and tissue donors. Afterwards, 58 tance of organ and tissue donation. Volunteer Receives National Donor Memorial Award Cherry Hill resident, Tom Gano, was honored in June with the 2012 National Donor Memorial Award of Excellence for his outstanding volunteer work in promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation. Since his 16-year old son, Curtis, became an organ donor in 1987, Tom has been a tireless champion for the cause. More than 106,000 students have learned about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor through Tom’s presentations at local high schools. Tom also has been a volunteer for the Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia for more than 23 years, and a member of Hearts of Gold, an organization for donor families, where he founded a peer counseling group for newly bereaved families. Established in 2010, the National Donor Memorial Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional advocates for organ and tissue donation, especially “unsung heroes” who have not received recognition at a national level. 4 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SHARING NEWS

Become “Friends” With Organ Donation Earlier this year Donate Life America, the Vehicle Agency. You can also register online on national organization promoting organ and our website, www.NJSharingNetwork.org. tissue donation in the United States, partnered with Facebook to encourage Facebook users to Help NJ Sharing Network spread the register as organ and tissue donors. word about the importance of organ Using the Facebook timeline feature, peo - & tissue donation! ple can now add when they became a registered organ donor as well as include information 1) Go to your “Wall” and add a “Life Event” about why they made the decision to do so. 2) Go to the “Health and Wellness” section While following the steps will display your 3) Add “Organ Donation” to your organ donor status on Facebook, it does not information add you to the donor registry. Make sure to sign up to be an organ donor at your local Motor LET’S GET CLINICAL

Statewide Organ Donation Training Provided to NJ Nurses Over the past couple of months, NJ Shar - to fulfill the NJ Board of Nursing requirement Nurse.com, a leading source of local and ing Network has held four “Donation Advocacy for Continuing Education on Organ & Tissue national news, jobs, nurse continuing education Training Days” for nurses at hospitals in New Donation. and a thriving nurse community, partnered with Jersey including Capital Health Hopewell Cam - Additionally a new web-based seminar de - NJ Sharing Network and Gift of Life Donor Pro - pus, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert veloped by Nurse.com will teach nurses about gram to develop this online resource for New Wood Johnson University Medical Center and the authorization process and reasons some Jersey. Overlook Medical Center. people choose not to donate. The seminar also For more information, or to register for The goal of each session was to help the discusses the collaborative relationship between this course, please visit www.nurse.com. Click 150 nurses in attendance better understand the the organ procurement organization and hospi - on the CE tab and enter the course number vast components of organ and tissue donation tal staff throughout the donation process. “CE665” in the search field. Dr. Sori Joins NJ Sharing Network Alan John Sori, M.D., F.A.C.S., a highly ex - where he was the Director of Surgical Quality, perienced trauma surgeon, has been named Dr. Sori maintains his teaching appointment at Medical Director of Donation Services at NJ the medical center. Sharing Network. In this newly created position, Dr. Sori received his medical degree from Dr. Sori provides round-the-clock medical con - The University of Medicine and Dentistry of sultation to NJ Sharing Network staff, transplant New Jersey and completed his residency and fel - surgeons and donor hospital physicians with re - lowship in trauma/critical care at University gards to clinical issues concerning the donor re - Hospital in Newark. Board-certified in general ferral process. and critical care surgery, Dr. Sori has authored Joining NJ Sharing Network from Saint numerous papers and abstracts in leading med - Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson ical journals in his specialty. www.NJSharingNetwork.org 5 SOCIAL Media Matters… Once again, news about NJ Sharing Network and organ and tissue donation hit the television airwaves and made newspaper headlines throughout the state. Following are highlights of a few recent placements: News 12 New Jersey: Reported on the recent spike of registered organ donors in New Jersey, which wlifeas highlighted in a first-ever “Donor Designation & Minority Transplantation Profile,” unveiled by NJ Sharing Network at a press event at University Hospital in August.

NJTV and WNET Channel 13: Viewers of “NJ Today Show,” learned about the critical need for organ and tissue donation from NJ Sharing Network’s Jessica Melore, senior education and partnerships manager and heart transplant recipient.

The Star-Ledger: In April, the Star-Ledger Editorial Board wrote an opinion that more pressure is needed to convince NJ residents to donate organs, mentioning the proposed “Golden Rule Act,” which would allow insurers to limit transplant coverage for patients who are not registered donors.

Jersey Journal: The work of Donate Life Bayonne/Jersey City was highlighted in an article in June, featuring an interview and photo of volunteer, Barbara Kuzminski.

The Daily Record: Featured the moving story of 18-year-old Brian Bernstein, whose donated organs saved two lives after he was killed in a car accident, and how family and friends honored his memory at the 5K Race to Save Lives.

Bloomfield Life: Reported on the volunteer work of Carol and Roy Larsen, who raised $6,700 and walked in the 2nd Annual 5K Race to Save Lives in honor of their daughter, Rebecca, who became a donor in April 2010. Her donated tissue enhanced the lives of 23 people.

Hospitals Honored for Years of Support NJ Sharing Network bestowed its 25th Anniver - sary Circle of Life Award to its hospital partners in 2012 to acknowledge and celebrate 25 years of partnership in saving lives together through organ and tissue dona - tion. Hospitals pictured here: (1) Hackensack UMC, (2) Valley Hospital, (3) Overlook Medical Center, and (4) University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Scouts Tour NJSN were four of our 54 partners who were honored with 1 Headquarters the award this year. Boy Scouts from around the state visited NJ Sharing Network to participate in the First Annual LEDR program, a leadership program sponsored by the Boy Scouts and Eagle Foundation, where scouts learned about the importance of organ and 2 3 4 tissue donation.

6 Collaboration with NJASRO

NJ Sharing Network has partnered with the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers (NJASRO) to help educate students about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation. NJASRO is a non-profit organization that strives to share information on the value of teaching elementary, middle and high school students about the principals of good citizenship through its network of school resource officers, probation officers, and school administrators and educators.

NJ Sharing Network Education and Partnerships Coordinator Whitney Downer (pictured left) addressed law enforcement officials about Driving the Message organ and tissue donation at the NJASRO training at Monmouth County Police Academy.

Statewide Events Show Support During Donate Life Month Various activities and celebrations took place throughout New Jersey in April -- also Organ and tissue donation was a major focus known as National Donate Life Month -- to show support of organ and tissue donation. at this year’s Region I American Association of Governor Chris Christie signed a Donate Life Proclamation at Newark Beth Israel and the Motor Vehicles Administrators (AAMVA) annual employees of Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Pine Belt Chevrolet in Lakewood showed conference held at Foxwoods Resort Casino. enthusiasm for the cause, while NJ Sharing Network rang the opening bell on NASDAQ Jessica Melore, senior education and partnerships on April 12. manager, participated in a panel discussion that highlighted the work that NJ Sharing Network ac - complishes in partnership with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to increase organ donor registration rates.

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1. The Valley Hospital showing their support of organ and tissue donation; 2. Long-time donor advocate and board member Dr. Patrick Buddle of Jersey Shore University Medical Center sharing his passion for organ and tissue donation with NJ Governor, Chris Christie; 3. Celebrating Blue and Green Day on April 20 during Donate Life Month at Pine Belt Chevrolet; 4. On April 12, NJ Sharing Network in conjunction with NY Organ Donor Network rang the NASDAQ opening bell in honor of National Donate Life Month. Jessica Melore, NJ Sharing Network’s Senior Manager of Education and Partnerships, also a heart recipient, was honored with an opportunity to address the crowd; 5. Governor Chris Christie signs a Donate Life Month Proclamation at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. To see more pictures from our events, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. 7 the ptoo sawve ae lirfe

Surgeons offer a glimpse into the “butterfly effect” of every critical moment leading to a transplant

Dr. Adena Osband and kidney recipient Ebony Bolling share a special lifetime bond 8 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Imagine having the opportunity to save die each day without receiving the life-saving term relationship with patients. That was some - another person’s life and knowing your actions organ they desperately need. Living donor pro - thing I wanted as a physician. In transplant, our could prevent a family from feeling the pain and grams, which allow a relative or a compatible patients are ours for life.” loss of a loved one. Now imagine doing it on a non-family member, such as a spouse or a Margarita Camacho, MD, a transplant sur - recurring basis. Saving a life is something few friend, to donate a kidney can be another way geon at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in have the honor and privilege of doing. A trans - to save lives. Dr. Geffner, an 18-year veteran, has Newark, notes that, “An organ is the most re - plant surgeon’s career is dedicated to saving lives performed many living kidney transplant sur - markable gift you can give to someone and it is as they labor sometimes through exhaustion to geries. extremely gratifying being part of that process. give hope and life to patients and the family and “Living related surgeries are unique. Each To facilitate that gift is an amazing privilege.” friends that love them. one is special for these families. Usually no one Dr. Camacho has been working in trans - A day in the life of a transplant surgeon is going to volunteer for a major operation with plant for more than 20 years, specializing in may seem glamorous: rushing to a waiting nothing for them to gain physically,” says Dr. heart and lung recovery. plane with a cooler in hand or dashing down a Geffner. “We had a sick patient in his 50’s who had hospital hallway. What isn’t commonly shared Five years ago Adena Osband, MD, a kid - undergone numerous heart operations and be - are the realities of the long hours, missed holi - ney and pancreas transplant surgeon, began her came so ill, that even with a small pump to assist days and sleepless nights. Often on call, trans - career at Robert Wood Johnson University Hos - his heart, we knew we were going to lose him plant surgeons need to be prepared to go into pital in New Brunswick. “I love that you can to - within 24 hours if a heart did not become avail - the operating room on a moment’s notice. After tally change someone’s life by sharing an organ able,” said Dr. Camacho. “He did receive his the phone rings, they also need to remain from a person who no longer needs it. You see transplant and was able to return home to live acutely aware of the loss of life the phone call recipients and sometimes their families’ lives his life.” signifies. transformed as well,” says Dr. Osband. Unfortunately, not all transplant cases end “We had arrived onsite at a hospital for Often bonding with the recipients, Dr. Os - happily. organ recovery from a 19 year old man who had band loves caring for all of her patients, but “We perform less than 2,500 heart trans - been involved in a motor vehicle accident,” re - finds working with younger ones exceptionally plants a year in the United States and have a calls Dorian Wilson, MD, a liver transplant sur - fulfilling. “Transplanting the pediatric group is minimum of 75,000 patients that could be listed. geon at the University of Medicine and so gratifying. You get to see them grow so much The disparity is tremendous and overwhelm - Dentistry in Newark. “Our case was delayed, so during the time you are caring for them.” ing,” adds Dr. Camacho. we walked up to the unit. An anesthesiologist Nine year old Ebony Bolling is one of her approached me and began asking me questions patients. Ebony received her kidney transplant Demanding Schedules about the procedure. I explained to him that we last year on July 23 after six months on dialysis. The demands placed on a transplant sur - are very respectful of the person who has died Her case manager saw a butterfly fluttering by geon are grueling. They never know which hos - and grateful for the gifts that are being shared. and felt like it was a sign Ebony’s kidney was pital will call to recover a life-saving organ. He then revealed to me that he was the father coming. A kidney became available later that of the donor. I could have been very tired that day. While recovering in the hospital, Ebony day and short with my answers, but thankfully was found drawing butterflies and the deal was I wasn’t. This situation made me realize the im - sealed. She was nicknamed the ‘butterfly girl.’ pact of what I do and the appropriateness of Dr. Osband visited with her recently in the being mindful of the gift that is being given.” hospital’s Butterfly Garden. “I realized there are New Jersey is home to a small number of not many options for surgeons to have a long- transplant surgeons. They are a highly dedicated and professional group of physicians. Although (When I) share with they may have multiple reasons for choosing them that the kidney organ transplant surgery, the most compelling “transplant has been seems to be the ability to save and transform -Dr. Adena Osband, MD lives. successful and there Stuart Geffner, MD, a kidney and pancreas will be no more dialysis surgeon at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, is moved by the work he does. it is a very “Transplant surgery is incredibly rewarding. powerful thing . When I approach a family in the waiting area ” and share with them that the kidney transplant -Dr. Stuart Geffner, MD (right) has been successful and there will be no more dialysis, it is a very powerful thing.” There are 88,000 people waiting on the kid - ney list in the United States and about 12 people www.NJSharingNetwork.org 9 Catching a nap in an operating room lounge might be the only sleep they may have had in the last 24 hours, with a cup of coffee their last meal. Despite the grueling demands, these life- savers press on. “This work is highly motivating,” notes Dr. Wilson. “You know you are helping other peo - ple, but it can be very exhausting and there are times you are really digging deep to push your - self. It is hard but very worthwhile.” Dr. Wilson’s colleagues agree. “The passion I have for what I do inspires me to work through the fatigue,” says Dr. Camacho. “You need to love what you do as the demands are tremen - dous.” Challenges and Rewards Although organ transplants save lives, there are still many daily challenges. Some are heart- wrenching, others frustrating and a few require Dr. Camacho, a heart and lung transplant surgeon at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and Dr. Wilson, who specializes in liver transplants at University Hospital, dedicate their careers to saving lives. public education. “We have a selection meeting every week, Transplant surgery also has unique re - “When I arrive at the donor’s hospital to re - where the team members come together to dis - wards. Seeing a patient who is near death fully cover a heart or lungs and I step through the cuss potential candidates. It is extremely painful recover or transplanting a patient that has doors of the operating room it really hits me. to tell a patient they are not a candidate,” said waited years to get an organ is an unquestion - The moment of acknowledgement that is held Dr. Camacho. able payoff. Dr. Osband is delighted when a to honor the gift is the time I take to think about She recalls one such case. “We had a patient who is difficult to match with a donor it. Often when I am done with the recovery and beautiful young mother that had non Hodgkin’s receives an organ. I have left the donor’s hospital I think about it lymphoma. She developed postpartum cardio- “I was treating a young lady who was on again. After completing the transplant and myopathy. We now have to wait for her to be dialysis for over 20 years, the majority of her life, speaking with the recipient’s family, it hits me a cancer free for five years before she can be listed. and was seriously running out of dialysis access third time.” She is currently living with a heart assist pump sites,” said Dr. Osband. “She finally received a From the moment the organ is recovered and has about a year left of the five year wait.” kidney transplant and is doing wonderfully.” until it is transplanted is a time of significant People often have wrong information re - Dr. Wilson remembers a 29-year old accountability entrusted to the transplant garding donation. Educating the public, hospital woman he cared for. “She had overdosed on surgeon. That job is something that Dr. Geffner colleagues and potential recipients are all part Tylenol and was in liver failure. She was in a takes very seriously. of the responsibilities of a transplant surgeon. deep coma. I explained to her father she needed “I feel that we have a responsibility to “The most challenging part of transplant a transplant or she would not survive. She was utilize that organ in the best way possible with are the misperceptions,” describes Dr. Osband. listed and transplanted. Five days later she awak - such a limited supply,” says Dr. Geffner. “We “What goes into it, what goes on after the trans - ened. It was an amazing transformation. She steward that gift to respect those that gave.” plant, about organ donation in general. The lack was near death and then I was able to see her Saving a life is both a formidable responsi - of accurate information is disheartening.” life renewed.” bility and a privilege. New Jersey transplant Dr. Geffner and his team strive for perfec - surgeons do the job with skill, compassion and tion. “Despite how often we transplant and as Appreciation for the Gift an understanding of the extraordinary gift that often as everything goes right, it is still a risky A great respect and appreciation for the has been entrusted to them. They overcome business. We have to get as close to perfect as gift, and the donor’s family, is shared among the many challenges to facilitate the life changing we can every time.” transplant community. Although they enter into transformations that take place during the trans - There are many bumps along the road that the picture during the final chapter of the plant process. They do their job remembering can prove to be an insurmountable challenge. Dr. donor’s journey, they often participate in a mo - that the power to save a life takes many hands Wilson understands this incredible undertaking. ment of silence, which is held in the operating and the kindness and generosity of a donor to “The great number of people that have to room immediately before the recovery of or - share the gift of life through organ and tissue somehow work together to get one transplant gans in honor of the donor’s gift. donation. event to happen successfully is remarkable,” Several times during a case, Dr. Camacho explains Dr. Wilson. “It is an amazing occasion takes time to reflect on the donor and the family when it does.” that said ‘yes’ to save the life of a stranger. Written by Carrie Keating RN, CCRN, CPTC 10 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Common Questions About Organ & Tissue Donation

Who can become an organ & tissue donor? Anyone can decide to be a donor. A person’s physical condition, not his or her age, determines the potential for organ and tissue donation and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the time of death. Visit your local Motor Vehicle Agency and ask for the donor designation to be added to your driver’s license or ID card and tell your family that you support organ donation. To register online visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. Which organs can be donated? Currently, someone may be able to donate his or her heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and small intestine depending on medical condition and circumstances at the time of death. Many patients who are organ donors may also be candidates for tissue donation. Is there an age limit for donation? There is no age limit for organ donation. NJ Sharing Network has successfully recovered organs from donors as young as a few days to adults in their 90s. A patient's medical history is more important than the age of the donor. If a patient has a normal functioning organ and is in good health, then organ donation is an option. How are donated organs allocated? They are allocated on the following criteria: match with donor, medical emergency and time on waiting list. A patient’s age, gender, race, ethnicity or wealth do not affect who receives available organs. Will my own medical care be compromised if the hospital is aware that I have an organ donor designation on my license? The decision to be an organ donor will in no way affect the level of medical care for a sick or injured person. The team of doctors and nurses involved in treating the patient is not involved with the transplant/recovery team, which is called only after death has occurred.

need new photo How to Register to Become for this issue. an Organ and Tissue Donor Please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org and click on “Become a Donor” Recipients Antwan Hunter and Iesha Ramos 1 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 c2lick “continue. ” 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.

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 11 NJ Sharing Network provides many Honoring Those Who services and programs to donor families to ease pain and promote healing during Gave the Gift of Life their difficult journey of grieving Donor Flag Permanently Raised

On June 14 — otherwise known as Flag tissue donation. The “Donor Family” flag will Day — NJ Sharing Network held a ceremony permanently fly underneath the American flag where both the American flag and “Donor at the headquarters of NJ Sharing Network in Family” flag were raised. The “Donor Family” New Providence in order to honor organ and flag was created to honor individuals who gave tissue donors daily. the gift of life to others through organ and

Local Hospitals Annual Donor Memorial Ceremony Raise Donor Flag Pays Tribute to Organ & Tissue Donors For the past 20 years, NJ Sharing Network one, which then becomes part of the next A picture is worth a thousand words! Heart recipient, Alberto Disla (center), met the family of his donor, Jose Perez at NJ Sharing Network in June. holds an annual ceremony in October that hon- “Quilt of Love.” ors organ and tissue donors and their families. The “Quilts of Love” is an ongoing proj- During the ceremony, several keynote ect to honor the memory of our donors. Right speakers discuss their personal connection to now, NJ Sharing Network is honored to have organ donation and a powerful, personal video 27 beautiful quilts, with each square specially tribute of all the year’s organ and tissue donors designed by donor family members and/or is shown. Each family also receives several me- friends to commemorate the life of a donor. mentos that honor their loved one and the gift The quilts are admired by thousands of that he/she provided to others. people each year at schools, hospitals, muse- What a letter Many families also contribute a quilt square ums, libraries and places of worship through- Several New Jersey hospitals recognize during the ceremony in memory of their loved out New Jersey. and honor those who gave the gift of life means to me through organ and tissue donation by flying How the lives of organ recipients and donor families become initimately connected forever a ‘Donor Flag’ outside the hospital for up to Donor Family Council Formed 24 hours after a donation occurs. The hospitals NJ Sharing Network announced the forma- participating in this heartfelt practice are: tion of the Donor Family Council. An all-volun- In today’s world of instant communication came Magaly, and she felt the need to go home. formed in the Dominican Republic. teer group, the Donor Family Council will act by email or texts, a handwritten or even a typed She took a half-day and came home to an email Alberto arrived in New York City on a Fri- • BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER (HOLMDEL) as a sounding board to help guide NJ Sharing personal letter is basically a thing of the past. from NJ Sharing Network. In the email, Magaly day, was immediately put on the heart trans- • COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER (TOMS RIVER) Network on how best to work with donor fam- However, for organ recipients and donor fami- learned that the recipient of Jose’s heart – Al- plant waiting list, and received a new heart the • JERSEY SHORE MEDICAL CENTER ilies. Jackie Lue Raia of Mahwah and Alyssa lies, this is not a case. A personal, heartfelt letter berto Disla – wrote a letter and wanted to meet following Monday. That’s how bad Alberto’s (NEPTUNE CITY) D’Addio of Watchung, both donor family mem- symbolizes how virtual strangers become inti- Magaly and her family. health had deteriorated. • JFK MEDICAL CENTER (EDISON) bers, serve as staff liasons to the group. mately connected forever through a heart, Since he was six months old, Alberto suf- Shortly after his heart transplant, Alberto’s • MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER (MORRISTOWN) The ultimate goal of the Donor Family kidney, intestine, liver, pancreas, or lung. fered from a deteriorating heart condition called father wrote a letter to thank the donor family Members of the Donor Family Council gather outside of NJ • OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER (BRICK) Council is to ensure that donor families are pro- Sharing Network. For the eight years that have gone by since myocardiopathy, caused by the coxsackie virus. for their incredible gift and giving life back to vided the necessary support to help them cope the untimely passing of her younger brother in Over the years, it was controlled by various his son. “We didn’t hear back,” said Alberto. “So • OVERLOOK MEDICAL CENTER (SUMMIT) with the tragic loss of a loved one. “We also strengthen our relationship with one of the 2004, Magaly Perez believed that her family medications, but while studying medicine in the about two years ago, I decided to write my own • RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER (RED BANK) want our Donor Family Council to have a voice most powerful voices that advocates for more would never receive the opportunity to meet Dominican Republic, Alberto became so sick, letter. I told them that I was a doctor now, that • SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER (LIVINGSTON) in how NJ Sharing Network involves donor fam- people to register as an organ and tissue donor: the person who received Jose’s heart. “My he couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs, and his im- I’m very grateful for the donated heart, and that To learn more about how your hospital ilies in other areas, such as public education and the family of someone who gave the precious mother always wanted to know who had my plantable defibrillator (ICD) shocked his heart I’d like to meet them to personally thank them.” can honor organ and tissue donors, contact fundraising, to ensure it is done with care and gift of life to others through organ donation.” brother’s heart,” said Magaly. “I thought we several times a day to keep it beating. Finally, at That meeting took place June 13, 2012. Alyssa D’Addio at 908-516-5432. compassion,” says Alyssa D’Addio. “By doing To learn about ways you can become couldn’t even request that and that it was totally the age of 18, his doctors sent him to Columbia (continued on page 14) so, we can better address the unique needs of involved in the Donor Family Council, please private.” Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, because an organ and tissue donor’s family and contact Jackie Lue Raia at 908-516-5686. Then one day while at work, a feeling over- at that time, heart transplants were not yet per- 12 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION www.NJSharingNetwork.org 13 A picture is worth a thousand words! Heart recipient, Alberto Disla (center), met the family of his donor, Jose Perez at NJ Sharing Network in June. Whmate aa nlse tttoe rme How the lives of organ recipients and donor families become initimately connected forever

In today’s world of instant communication by came Magaly, and she felt the need to go home. formed in the Dominican Republic. email or texts, a handwritten or even a typed She took a half-day and came home to an email Alberto arrived in New York City on a Fri - personal letter is basically a thing of the past. from NJ Sharing Network. In the email, Magaly day, was immediately put on the heart trans - However, for organ recipients and donor fami - learned that the recipient of Jose’s heart – Al - plant waiting list, and received a new heart the lies, this is not a case. A personal, heartfelt letter berto Disla – wrote a letter and wanted to meet following Monday. That’s how bad Alberto’s symbolizes how virtual strangers become inti - Magaly and her family. health had deteriorated. mately connected forever through a heart, Since he was six months old, Alberto suf - Shortly after his heart transplant, Alberto’s kidney, intestine, liver, pancreas, or lung. fered from a deteriorating heart condition called father wrote a letter to thank the donor family For the eight years that have gone by since myocardiopathy, caused by the coxsackie virus. for their incredible gift and giving life back to the untimely passing of her younger brother in Over the years, it was controlled by various his son. “We didn’t hear back,” said Alberto. “So 2004, Magaly Perez believed that her family medications, but while studying medicine in the about two years ago, I decided to write my own would never receive the opportunity to meet Dominican Republic, Alberto became so sick, letter. I told them that I was a doctor now, that the person who received Jose’s heart. “My he couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs, and his im - I’m very grateful for the donated heart, and that mother always wanted to know who had my plantable defibrillator (ICD) shocked his heart I’d like to meet them to personally thank them.” brother’s heart,” said Magaly. “I thought we several times a day to keep it beating. Finally, at That meeting took place June 13, 2012. couldn’t even request that and that it was totally the age of 18, his doctors sent him to Columbia (continued on page 14) private.” Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, because Then one day while at work, a feeling over - at that time, heart transplants were not yet per - www.NJSharingNetwork.org 13 “It is just such an amazing experience to meet a family that has given you

twhitheo utg eivfent k noowfi ngl wifhoe y ou are.” –Bryan Mueller

What Magaly didn’t know was that a short Save Lives. It also was the first time that Bryan time prior to receiving the email from NJ Shar - Mueller would meet the Walker’s as well. Bryan ing Network, her mother had prayed and asked was the recipient of one of Bobby’s kidneys.

to meet the man who received her son’s heart. Roy received his new heart in 2005 after Connected by a heart and kidney. Roy Praschil and Bryan Little did she know, her prayers would be an - being diagnosed at 16 years of age with a Mueller received the gift of life from Bobby Walker, Jr. and met each other and Bobby’s family for the first time at last swered just a few weeks later. “It was a beautiful genetic heart condition called hypertrophic car - year’s 5K Race to Save Lives. experience to meet this young man and his par - diomyopathy (HCM). It caused his father’s un - ents. I really cannot put it into words,” explains timely death when he was only 40 years old as put on the transplant waiting list and received Magaly. “There is something in this world of my well a four uncles and a cousin. Following his his new kidney several months later. brother that is still living, and it gives me com - transplant, Roy’s life completely changed for the About a year after his transplant, he wrote fort.” better. “Roy never experienced life the way he a letter to his donor family to thank them for his “We cried on both sides,” says Alberto did after the transplant, even when he was in his new kidney. Four years later, the day before when describing meeting Magaly and her 20’s,” explained Karen Praschil, Roy’s wife. “He Christmas, Bryan received a letter from the mother, Carmen, and her father, Jose. didn’t ever realize how sick he was until he got Walker family. “It was the greatest Christmas a heart and realized what a healthy person is gift ever,” says Bryan. “It was unbelievable to Connected by a Heart and Kidney like. He really had no idea how good life could hear back and learn a little bit more about the After years of correspondence, heart recip - be with a healthy heart.” family that saved my life.” ient Roy Praschil and his wife Karen finally met After realizing the full effect the transplant After receiving his transplant and graduat - the parents and sisters of his donor — Robert was having on his life, Karen decided that she ing from college, Bryan decided to open a small “Bobby” Walker, Jr. — at last year’s 5K Race to needed to write a letter to the donor family, business, a bakery called Sweet Indulgences in thanking them for their generous and special Dumont, NJ. A very special part of the business gift. “It took me weeks to write the letter,” says is the philanthropic arm, called “Sweet Letter-Writing Tips Karen. “I was so afraid of stepping over the line Miracles” that gives back to the local commu - of excitement and joy for Roy while knowing nity as a way to thank others for their random for Recipients they had experienced such unspeakable pain. It acts of kindness. • Acknowledge your donor family’s loss with an was really difficult to write.” In 2011, he received a call from NJ Sharing expression of sympathy. That letter was impetuous for several Network that the Walker’s wanted to see if he • Say “thank you.” It may not capture all of your rounds of communication including phone calls would participate in Team 360, marking the first feelings, but it’s a start. that led up to the Praschil’s and Walker’s time that they would meet in person. “It is just • Tell your story – explain how your transplant experience has changed your life. Tell them about decision to form a team together and take part such an amazing experience to meet a family yourself, your family, your hobbies and interests. in the 5K. While planning Team 360, Karen that has given you the gift of life without even • You may want to tell the family that you would like thought “wouldn’t it be great if we could get the knowing who you are,” explains Bryan. “I look to hear from them or meet them in the future (if recipients of Bobby’s other organs to be on our up to them every day and am so grateful and they choose) and that you will respect their feel - team.” blessed to have them in my life.” ings on this matter. That’s how Bryan Mueller became con - Letter-Writing Tips nected to Team 360 and had the opportunity to Connected Forever for Donor Families meet his donor family, the Walker’s, for the first Like the members of Team 360 – Roy, time. Bryan and the Walker family, as well as Alberto • Share whatever is comfortable for you about your loved one, their hobbies and interests. and the Perez family, there are thousands of Sweet Miracles other similar stories that were made possible • Tell them why the decision to donate was made. Bryan was born with a life-threatening kid - through the old-fashioned process of putting • Wish them well in their recovery. ney disease that went undiagnosed for several words and feelings down on paper. It’s fascinat - • If you would like to hear from them, months. The condition stunted the growth of ing how lives can become connected forever by let them know. his kidneys, which eventually resulted in end- not only words and feelings, but through the stage kidney failure. At the age of 17, Bryan was generous gift of a heart or kidney.

14 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Heartfelt excerpts from letters…

“ How do I tell you how much you … r gift of life has to donate meant to me and my family? “ When the decision I feel that we are now part of each other’s family as I m…y son ’s organs was presented think of you each day ” to us, th’ ere was not one moment … of hesitation ” a life…?” … omeone for saving w does one thank s “…Ho of uld have the presence nly special people wo fore themselves. ugh I have wanted to reach “...O the pain of others be “…Even tho mind to put gift of life...” out to you for a very long time, Thank you for this I realize now that this is the hardest thing I have ever done…”

sit down months to n e several o write dow as taken m e words t …It h paper. Th “ a pen and with me easy… ” have not co

Why You May Not Receive a Letter in Return It may take months or perhaps years before an organ recipient and/or family member of a donor is ready to send and/or receive a letter. Be aware that you may never hear from them. An organ transplant is a major surgical procedure and it can take several months before a recipient feels healthy again. Other times, the transplant may not have been a complete success. Although some organ recipients may be open to receiving correspondence, others may feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to express their thanks and gratitude. “Survivor’s guilt” often is felt by an organ recipient, making him/her unable to respond to a donor family letter until they come to terms with these feelings. On the other side, some donor families may not write for personal reasons. Certain people find it helpful to disconnect from situations that remind them of their loss. However, once time has passed, some donor families are able to communicate with recipients. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone has a right to privacy. And, that every individual deals with situations differently and in their own time.

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 15 Celebrating 25 Years

More than 300 members of the organ donation and transplanta - tion community gathered at the Short Hills Hilton on April 12, 2012 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of NJ Sharing Network. It proved to be a special evening where organ transplant recipients and donor fam - ilies were honored along with New Jersey’s transplant centers and hos - pital partners. One highlight of the evening was the “Walk of Life” ceremony where a living donor or donor family was paired with an organ or tis - sue recipient to present our hospital partners with an award. Another highlight was when Mary DiNardo, the widow of De - Kellye Miller (pictured on right) donated a kidney to her grateful friend Morgan Johnson. tective Marc Anthony DiNardo of the Jersey City Police Department, received the “Ray of Hope” award. The lives of three people were Special Thanks to Our 25th saved by Detective DiNardo’s heart and two kidneys following his 2009 untimely death in the line of duty, while countless others benefited Anniversary Dinner Sponsors from the gift of tissue donation. GOLD SPONSORS CORPORATE TICKETS A special thanks is in order for our dinner committee, which was led by Alberta D’Addio and Susan Quiroga, as well as our 26 corporate Barnabas Health Brinton Eaton anniversary partners! Genentech, CJS Violations Services a member of Roche Group Document Solutions Pfizer, Inc. Hackensack University BRONZE SPONSORS Medical Center LifeCell Corporation Investors Bank Musculoskeletal Jeffrey Sobel Consulting Transplant Foundation Lourdes Health System PNC Wealth Management MagnetMailers.com, LLC Saul Ewing, LLP Mark & Helen Reagan ShopRite (Village Supermarkets) Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Trinitas Regional Medical Center SourceOne Communications Group NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board Members created a fun-filled, memorable 25th anniversary celebration. Wiss & Company, LLP Wells Fargo Bank, NA William H. Connolly & Co., LLC

16 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION of SAVING LIVES!

Many Thanks To All Our 25th Anniversary Corporate Partners

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 17 ATION NEWS • FOUNDATION NEWS • FO

2012 is proving to be one of the most successful in recent history for the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. While we spent the year cele - brating 25 years of saving lives through the gift of organ and tissue do - nation, we also achieved significant fundraising milestones to support NJ Sharing Network Foundation generates philan - our overall mission. thropic support for the various programs of NJ Sharing Nearly $1 million has been raised so far in 2012 including a record- Network. Your support can help increase the number setting total of $607,000 at the 2nd Annual Share NJ 5K Walk/Run in of lives saved through organ and tissue donation. June, $42,000 for participants to attend the Transplant Games and over $150,000 at the Annual Golf and Tennis Classic. We couldn’t have done FOUNDATION BOARD this without our 25th Anniversary Corporate Sponsors as well as the tens of thousands of individuals who participated in or volunteered to support our events or made Donna Albanese, Chairperson a contribution to our annual fund. For all this tremendous support, we are truly thankful. Dairy Queen of Plainfield Resident of Scotch Plains While we had a spectacular year, we can’t slow down our efforts. There are close to 5,000 New Phyllis L. Elin, Vice Chair Jersey residents still awaiting a life-saving transplant. We need to continue our education efforts to Resident of Stewartsville make sure we get as many people as possible to register to be organ and tissue donors in New Jersey. Thomas Ludlum, Esq., Treasurer City of Paterson Law Department We can’t do this without your financial support. Ludlum Law Offices In this season of giving, I ask you to consider making a contribution to the NJ Sharing Network Resident of Glen Rock Foundation so that we can continue our work to save as many lives as possible. Alberta D’Addio, Secretary Resident of Watchung Marla Bace Circles, a division of Sodexo Resident of Berkeley Heights J.D. de Leon Resident of Jersey City Elisse E. Glennon Lenore C. Ford Executive Director Resident of Morristown NJ Sharing Network Foundation Randi Geffner [email protected] Resident of Livingston Honorable F. Michael Giles Resident of West Orange Albanese Named “Healthcare Hero” Derlys M. Gutierrez, Esq. Adams Stern Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC Resident of Montclair Donna Albanese, the chairperson of the NJ Philip S. Kolm Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees, Investors Bank , Commercial Banking Group Resident of Fort Lee was named “Volunteer of the Year,” at the NJBIZ Lisa Meyers Healthcare Heroes awards ceremony in June. Summit YMCA Resident of Summit NJBIZ, a weekly journal that covers the Anthony E. Pizzutillo business of New Jersey, honors both individuals Smith Pizzutillo LLC Resident of Lawrenceville and organizations annually who make a signifi - Mark E. Reagan cant impact on the quality of healthcare in New Marsh, Inc., Global Construction Practice Jersey. Resident of Basking Ridge Donna was recognized for her decade-long Suzann Rizzo Investors Bank advocacy for organ and tissue donation, which Sandy Erwin (right), the NJ Sharing Network Foundation assis - Resident of Staten Island was spearheaded when she donated one of her tant director, congratulates Donna Albanese on receiving the Peter Rooney NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes “Volunteer of the Year” award. Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide kidneys to her mother. Resident of Mendham Bernard Simon Resident of Edison Myles Varley Board Welcomes New Member Personal Resource Management Associates, Inc. Resident of Mount Olive Township NJ Sharing Network Foundation is pleased board. Through extensive legal experience Ex-Officio Members: to announce that Honorable F. Michael Giles, a gained both as a judge and an attorney in private Joseph Roth Barry Newman President and CEO Chief Financial Officer retired Superior Court of New Jersey judge, has practice, Michael will be a great asset in helping NJ Sharing Network NJ Sharing Network been elected as a new member of the Foundation the Foundation achieve its overall goals. Elisse Glennon Executive Director NJ Sharing Network Foundation

A1T8 I2O5 TH ANNIVE RSNARY EEDITIWON S • FOUNDATION NEWS • FO OUNDATION NEWS • FOUNDATION NEWS

Foundation Director Honored by Scholarship Irish Business Association Awarded to Future Congratulations to Foundation Executive Director Elisse Glennon who was honored with Transplant Surgeon the “2012 Woman of the Year Award” by the Irish Business Association (IBA) at its awards cere - mony in June. Each year the award is presented to a NJ woman in recognition of her efforts in supporting the mission of the IBA. “New Jersey is home to some of the nation’s most dynamic business leaders, many of whom are women,” says Elisse Glennon. “I am honored to be recognized for both my profes - sional and personal commitments in New Jersey.”

Engaging our Landscape of Life On May 24, the NJ Sharing Network Foun - Kelsea A. Longo (center) was awarded NJ Sharing Network Volunteers Foundation’s Benjamin R. Chirls Scholarship. dation hosted a Landscape of Life ceremony to recognize the new honorees. The Landscape of This year’s Benjamin R. Chirls Scholarship Life tribute wall acknowledges contributions was awarded to Kelsea A. Longo of Nutley, a made in the honor or memory of organ and tis - teen whose ultimate goal in life is to become a sue donors, transplant recipients and members transplant surgeon because of her own first- of the community. hand experiences with both sides of organ and tissue donation. Presented annually to a designated organ or tissue donor, living donor, transplant recipi - ent, donor family member or an advocate for organ and tissue donation, the $4,000 scholar - Sandy Erwin, assistant director of ship is named in memory of Benjamin Chirls, a the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, kidney recipient who worked tirelessly for years gives monthly guided tours of NJ to educate the public about the importance of Sharing Network’s headquarters to organ donation. groups of new volunteers. To volunteer, The family of Courtney Dayback is pictured in front of the Kelsea set her sights on becoming a physi - please contact Sandy at 908-516-5695. Landscape of Life memorial. cian following the tragic loss of her aunt and best friend who both became organ donors and then experiencing the celebration of life when ”Journeys of the Heart“ Float Underway her uncle received a double lung transplant after Construction is underway for the Donate suffering from pulmonary systemic fibrosis. She Life float that will ride in the annual Tourna - plans to begin her study of biology at North - ment of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California eastern University in the Fall. on January 1, 2013. The theme of the float is “My hopes are that by sharing my story, I “Journeys of the Heart,” representing the new will drive others to sign up to be donors and to life made possible by organ and tissue donation. begin a ripple effect of spreading awareness of The NJ Sharing Network Foundation will be organ and tissue donation,” shared Kelsea. sponsoring heart transplant recipient and Foun - Good luck to Kelsea on her studies and we look dation board member, Mark Reagan, to travel forward to learning more about her future to Pasadena to represent New Jersey at the an - achievements! nual celebration of the gift of life.

OUNDATION NEWS • FOUNDAwwTw.NIJSOharingNNetw orNk.org EW19 S THOUSANDS CROSS FINISH LINE IN RACE TO SAVE LIVES Record Funds Raised at Second Annual 5K Race Seas of color from the t-shirts of nearly 5,000 people filled NJ Sharing Net - work’s parking lot and lined the starting line of the 5K race route. Each t-shirt – whether it was red, blue, green, yellow, black or white – was specially designed with love to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost who gave unselfishly to save the life of another or loved ones who were given a second chance at life. No matter the story, the spirit behind organ and tissue donation was in full force on Sunday, June 10. A total of $607,000 was raised during this year’s race, surpassing last year’s inaugural total of $450,000. Funds raised by the NJ Sharing Network Foundation support donor families, re - search, and education about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Thanks to everyone who participated as this could not have happened without you! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at next year’s celebration.

Were you there? Check out hundreds of photos from 20 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Thanks to our sponsors:

PRESENTING HOSTED IN SPONSOR CONJUNCTION WITH

ADDITIONAL RACE SPONSORS: Adams Stern Gutierrez MagnetMailers.com, LLC & Lattiboudere, LLC Meridian Health ASA Apple Musculoskeletal Barnabas Health Transplant Foundation Brinton Eaton Novartis CJS Violations Services Ogilvy CommonHealth Document Solutions Worldwide Ethicon Overlook Medical Center Genentech, PNC Wealth a member of Roche Group Management Hackensack University Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center University Hospital The Hampshire Companies Saul Ewing, LLP International Institute ShopRite for the Advancement (Village Supermarkets) of Medicine TSS Investors Bank Wells Fargo Bank, NA Jeffrey Sobel Consulting William H. Connolly LifeCell Corporation & Co., LLC Mark & Helen Reagan Wiss & Company, LLP

the 2012 5K Race at www.NJSharingNetwork.org www.NJSharingNetwork.org 21 ATION NEWS • FOUNDATION NEWS • FO DONmATaIOttN ers Gold, Silver and Bronze Won at Transplant Games While success was measured through medals won, the true cele - bration for athletes participating in the 2012 Transplant Games of America was life itself. If not for the selfless act of their donors, the ath - letes of Team Liberty would not have had the opportunity to partici - pate in the multi-sport games held in Michigan from July 28 to 31. A program of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, Team Liberty is comprised of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut athletes who Hampshire Real Estate have been touched by organ and tissue donation. This year’s team of 18 athletes participated in several events including a 5K run, bowling, Donates $100,000 golf, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field. At the end Morristown-based Hampshire Real Estate, a real estate invest - of the competition, a total of 50 medals were won by Team Liberty. ment fund manager and owner of the building leased by NJ Shar - Congratulations Team Liberty! ing Network in New Providence, recently made one of the largest single gifts ever to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. The company contributed $100,000 to support the ongoing work of NJ Sharing Network, including education initiatives designed to save and enhance as many lives as possible through organ and tissue donation. “Some us of at Hampshire Real Estate have been touched by organ donation and experienced close-hand the value of NJ Sharing Network,” said Norman A. Feinstein, Vice Chairman of the Hamp - shire Companies. “We all felt it was important to support this valu - able and life-saving work.” 1 2 Thank you to Hampshire Real Estate for this generous gift! Creative Giving NJ Sharing Network Foundation supporters have shared some of the most creative ways they have contributed — even in a tough economy. When planning a wedding, anniversary bash, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, sweet 16 and other milestone events, instead of spending money on candles and picture frames, consider a contribution to 3 your favorite charity…NJ Sharing Network Foundation. Be sure to 1. Liver recipient Bonnie Farbstein from Fair Lawn, NJ, took the Gold Medal in Women's let your guests know in lieu of favors you have made a contribution Tennis Singles; 2. Hillsborough resident and heart recipient, Joseph DiSanto, won the Bronze Medal in the golf tournament; 3. Members of Team Liberty traveled to Grand Rapids, to support organ and tissue donation. Michigan for the Transplant Games If you have creative ideas for giving —especially on a budget— please email them to Sandy Erwin at [email protected].

A2T2 I2O5 TH ANNIVE RSNARY EEDITIWON S • FOUNDATION NEWS • FO OUNDATION NEWS • FOUNDATION NEWS

Foundation Grants Fund Special Memorials at NJ Hospitals NJ Sharing Network Foundation has funded grants to create special memorials to honor organ and tissue donors at several area hospitals. Some of these memorials include:

Zan’s Garden of Life Jersey Shore University Medical Center is home to “Zan’s Garden of Life,” a donor memorial garden named after Alexandra “Zan” Tozzi, who at the age of 13 gave the gift of life through organ donation. A bronze statue depicting the image of a young girl holding a butterfly in one hand, symbolizes the lives saved by Zan, and the other hand releasing several butterflies, symbolizes a new life made possible by all the organ and tissue donors from the hospital. The names of organ and tissue donors are engraved in bricks that surround the statue in the garden.

Wall of Heroes ABOVE: Jersey City Medical Center displays pictures of organ and tissue donors, in addi - The parents of BJ Giannone in front of his tribute featured on the Jersey City Medical tion to heartfelt letters from recipients, to demonstrate the impact of giving the Center’s Wall of Heroes. gift of life. LEFT: Mark and Tina Hubbard with daughters, Kimberly and Kiley (pictured right), a Garden Walk Memorial kidney recipient, at a benefit dinner and Cooper University Hospital in Camden is in the process of developing a memorial concert at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como on August 19. The event raised funds to help that will be housed along their “Garden Walk,” which will feature an LCD display restore and maintain Zan’s Garden of Life. where pictures of organ and tissue donors will be shown while the names of the honorees will be permanently etched on glass panels.

Drag Racing Team Heart Recipient “Paying it Forward” Shows Support “Paying it forward” just may accurately describe the actions of heart recipient and steward of philan - thropy, Elliott Kominsky, who recently pledged an ongoing monthly gift to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. “I have an attitude that you have to give back,” states Elliott.“Without NJ Sharing Network and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, I would not be alive today. I have committed myself to do as much as I can to help other people who find themselves in

Andrea Pedregon and her husband, two-time Funny Car series my situation.” champion Tony Pedregon, presented Alida Sandoval of NJ Sharing A retired certified public accountant (CPA), El - Network Foundation with a $2,500 check. liott truly understands the numbers behind the need The Andrea Pedregon Charity Foundation, also to increase the amount of people in New Jersey who known as “A Spark of Hope,” recently presented $2,500 are registered organ and tissue donors. In addition to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation in memory of to his generous contribution, Elliott actively volun - organ and tissue donor Heather Anne Aurora. Following teers for NJ Sharing Network to register as many To pledge a monthly contribution—no matter how small— please contact Kathy a tragic pedestrian accident, Heather donated kidneys, people as possible. In fact, at a Family Day event in Aitchison at [email protected] heart valves, corneal tissue and skin. The generous Perth Amboy in early August, Elliott was instrumen - contribution was presented on June 2 at Heather’s home tal in registering more than 40 individuals to become track, Englishtown, during the National Hot Rod organ and tissue donors. Now, that is a genuine ex - Association’s Toyota SuperNationals. ample of paying it forward.

OUNDATION NEWS • FOUNDAwwTw.NIJSOharingNNetw orNk.org EW23 S YEAR-TO-YEAR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRANTS BY COUNTY NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE 2012 – A YEAR IN REVIEW AGENCIES SEE RECENT SPIKE IN In North and Central New Jersey, less than one-third of adult licensed drivers are registered organ donors. REGISTERED DONORS Motor Vehicle Commission data for the 14 counties in NJ Sharing Network’s 2012 HIGHLIGHTS 2012 NJ ORGAN AND TISSUE DONORS BY HOSPITAL coverage area for the first half of 2012 shows how each county compares to New Jersey state totals last year. AND FAST FACTS Organ Bone Skin County 2011 % (Q2) 2012 % Year-over-year Registrants Registrants % Growth Overlook Medical Center 6 Morristown Medical Center 8 Overlook Medical Center 9 115,000 people are waiting for a BERGEN 28.4% 28.7% 1.2% Capital Health Regional Medical Center 5 Hackensack University Medical Center 7 RWJ University Hospital, Hamilton 6 ESSEX 24.8% 25.4% 2.4% life-saving transplant nationwide… Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 5 Morris County Medical Examiner 5 Morristown Medical Center 5 HUDSON 24.9% 25.6% 2.9% UMDNJ, The University Hospital 5 Overlook Medical Center 4 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 5 …and 18 people die each day waiting. HUNTERDON 44.0% 44.4% 1.0% Jersey Shore Medical Center 4 Somerset Medical Center 4 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 5 MERCER 32.7% 33.1% 1.2% St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 4 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 4 St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 5 MIDDLESEX 26.6% 27.1% 1.7% In New Jersey alone: The Valley Hospital 4 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 4 Hunterdon Medical Center 5 MONMOUTH 34.5% 34.9% 1.2% Jersey City Medical Center 3 St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 4 Riverview Medical Center 5 –72 people wait for a heart transplant MORRIS 38.9% 39.2% 0.9% Hackensack University Medical Center 3 Jersey City Medical Center 4 Community Medical Center 5 OCEAN 32.5% 32.8% 0.8% Morristown Medical Center 3 Monmouth County Medical Examiner 4 Morris County Medical Examiner 4 –4,071 people wait for a kidney transplant PASSAIC 24.9% 25.2% 1.2% Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 3 RWJ University Hospital, Hamilton 3 Somerset Medical Center 4 SOMERSET 34.9% 35.4% 1.4% –528 people wait for a liver transplant Cooper University Hospital 2 Lourdes Health System 3 Lourdes Health System 4 SUSSEX 40.9% 41.2% 0.9% JFK Medical Center 2 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 3 Jersey Shore Medical Center 4 UNION 27.6% 28.2% 2.3% –31 people wait for a lung transplant Saint Barnabas Medical Center 2 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 3 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 3 WARREN 38.3% 38.6% 0.7% Community Medical Center 2 Chilton Hospital 3 CentraState Medical Center 3 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 2 Hunterdon Medical Center 3 Union County Medical Examiner 3 TOTAL STATE 30.2% 30.7% 1.5% Fast Fact #1 Robert Wood Johnson, Hamilton 2 CentraState Medical Center 3 Cooper University Hospital 3 Close to 5,000 NJ residents are awaiting a Trinitas Regional Medical Center 1 Union County Medical Examiner 3 The University Hospital 3 life-saving transplant. Ocean Medical Center 1 Clara Maass Medical Medical Center 2 Ocean Medical Center 3 St. Francis Medical Center 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 2 The Valley Hospital 3 St. Mary’s Hospital 1 Jersey Shore Medical Center 2 Hackensack University Medical Center 2 MINORITY ORGAN DONATION AND Fast Fact #2 RWJ University Hospital, Rahway 1 JFK Medical Center 2 Jersey City Medical Center 2 One organ donor can save up to eight Somerset Medical Center 1 Riverview Medical Center 2 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 2 TRANSPLANTATION STATISTICS Riverview Medical Center 1 Newton Medical Center 2 Chilton Hospital 2 A first-ever report reveals the percentage of drivers registered to be organ and tis- lives and restore health to 50 others. In 2011, of the 2,730 minority deceased and 1,779 minority living Lourdes Health System 1 Community Medical Center 2 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 2 sue donors at North and Central New Jersey motor vehicle agencies has spiked almost Chilton Hospital 1 Cooper University Hospital 2 St. Mary’s Hospital 2 donors nationwide, NJ had 65 minority deceased donors and 68 10 percent in the first six months of 2012, with the greatest increase seen at the Newark Bayshore Medical Center 1 St. Mary’s Hospital 2 Saint Clare’s Health System, Denville 2 minority living donors. In the US, 11,529 minority patients received Saint Clare’s Health System, Dover 1 Mountainside Hospital 2 organ transplants – including 254 in NJ. MVA. Across the state, the percentage of people signing up to be donors last year Saint Clare’s Health System, Denville 1 Hackettstown Regional Medical Center 2 remained flat, making the increase in Central and North Jersey unique and gratifying. DONATE LIFE REGIONAL GROUPS Mountainside Hospital 1 Warren Hospital 2 The report also found that Flemington had the highest donor registration rate at These task forces created throughout the state gather representatives from local regions to Hoboken University Medical Center 1 Monmouth County Medical Examiner 1 create strategic initiatives for reaching the nationwide goal of 50% registered organ and tissue The University Hospital 1 JFK Medical Center 1 50 percent, while five other communities — Newark, Wallington, Oakland Bayonne, donors. We partner with businesses, government agencies, houses of worship, schools, Ocean Medical Center 1 Newton Medical Center 1 and Toms River — achieved donation rate increases of more than 15 percent. hospitals, police/fire/EMS departments, and other organizations. If you are interested in Hackettstown Regional Medical Center 1 Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center 1 Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center 1 Saint Barnabas Medical Center 1 This data was part of a NJ Sharing Network report called Donor Designation & becoming part of your local group, please contact the leader nearest you: Saint Barnabas Medical Center 1 Bayshore Medical Center 1 Minority Transplantation Profile for New Jersey 2012 that was released in August 2012 REGION REGION LEADER REGION CONTACT INFO Bayshore Medical Center 1 Capital Health Medical Center 1 at a press conference at University Hospital in Newark in conjunction with National Capital Health Medical Center 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Old Bridge 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Old Bridge 1 St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 1 Minority Donor Awareness Week, a nationwide observance that aims to educate minori- Bergen/Passaic Jackie Lue Raia [email protected] The Valley Hospital 1 Holy Name Medical Center 1 ties about the ongoing, desperate need for organ and tissue donors within multicultural Monmouth/ Whitney Downer [email protected] St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 1 St. Francis Medical Center 1 communities nationwide. Minorities in NJ comprise 60 percent of people on the U.S. Ocean Holy Name Medical Center 0 Saint Peter’s University Hospital 1 Bayonne/ MaryAnn Rosenberg [email protected] St. Francis Medical Center 0 Trinitas Regional Medical Center 1 transplant waiting list, while only representing 36 percent of living donors and 46 Jersey City Barbara Kuzminski [email protected] Jackie Lue Raia (right) and Gwen Anderson (left) the recipient of Raia's mother's Saint Peter’s University Hospital 0 Saint Clare’s Health System, Sussex 1 kidney, share a moment during a press conference at UMDNJ-The University Hospital. percent of deceased donors. Mercer Whitney Downer [email protected] Trinitas Regional Medical Center 0 Bayonne Medical Center 1 NJ Sharing Network credits ongoing community-based outreach initiatives and an Saint Clare’s Health System, Sussex 0 Bergen Regional Medical Center 1 Across the nation… Somerset/ Tom Pierno [email protected] enhanced relationship with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission for this increase in organ Hunterdon Warren Hospital 0 Bergen County Medical Examiner 1 Minorities make up 36% of the US population and comprise 56% of Essex Alyssa D'Addio [email protected] Bayonne Medical Center 0 Clara Maass Medical Center 0 individuals on the US transplant waiting list. They represent 30% of donor registration. The report was also covered by media including The Star-Ledger, NJ Bergen Regional Medical Center 0 Saint Clare’s Health System, Dover 0 Newark Lernard Freeman [email protected] living donors and 34% of deceased organ donors. • 101.5 radio, News 12 New Jersey and Fios 1 TV, aiding in further educating the public Bergen County Medical Examiner 0 Hoboken University Medical Center 0 Middlesex Jackie Lue Raia [email protected] Here in New Jersey… about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Warren Sandy Erwin [email protected] Data collected from January - June 2012 Minorities make up 44% of the state’s population and account for 60% Sussex Barbara Kellam-Scott [email protected] of patients on the organ transplant waiting list. They represent 36% of Union/Morris Elizabeth Stamler [email protected] living donors and 46% of deceased organ donors.

2424 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION www.NJSharingNetwork.org 25 YEAR-TO-YEAR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRANTS BY COUNTY NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE 2012 – A YEAR IN REVIEW AGENCIES SEE RECENT SPIKE IN In North and Central New Jersey, less than one-third of adult licensed drivers are registered organ donors. REGISTERED DONORS Motor Vehicle Commission data for the 14 counties in NJ Sharing Network’s 2012 HIGHLIGHTS 2012 NJ ORGAN AND TISSUE DONORS BY HOSPITAL coverage area for the first half of 2012 shows how each county compares to New Jersey state totals last year. AND FAST FACTS Organ Bone Skin County 2011 % (Q2) 2012 % Year-over-year Registrants Registrants % Growth Overlook Medical Center 6 Morristown Medical Center 8 Overlook Medical Center 9 115,000 people are waiting for a BERGEN 28.4% 28.7% 1.2% Capital Health Regional Medical Center 5 Hackensack University Medical Center 7 RWJ University Hospital, Hamilton 6 ESSEX 24.8% 25.4% 2.4% life-saving transplant nationwide… Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 5 Morris County Medical Examiner 5 Morristown Medical Center 5 HUDSON 24.9% 25.6% 2.9% UMDNJ, The University Hospital 5 Overlook Medical Center 4 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 5 …and 18 people die each day waiting. HUNTERDON 44.0% 44.4% 1.0% Jersey Shore Medical Center 4 Somerset Medical Center 4 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 5 MERCER 32.7% 33.1% 1.2% St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 4 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 4 St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 5 MIDDLESEX 26.6% 27.1% 1.7% In New Jersey alone: The Valley Hospital 4 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 4 Hunterdon Medical Center 5 MONMOUTH 34.5% 34.9% 1.2% Jersey City Medical Center 3 St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center 4 Riverview Medical Center 5 –72 people wait for a heart transplant MORRIS 38.9% 39.2% 0.9% Hackensack University Medical Center 3 Jersey City Medical Center 4 Community Medical Center 5 OCEAN 32.5% 32.8% 0.8% Morristown Medical Center 3 Monmouth County Medical Examiner 4 Morris County Medical Examiner 4 –4,071 people wait for a kidney transplant PASSAIC 24.9% 25.2% 1.2% Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 3 RWJ University Hospital, Hamilton 3 Somerset Medical Center 4 SOMERSET 34.9% 35.4% 1.4% –528 people wait for a liver transplant Cooper University Hospital 2 Lourdes Health System 3 Lourdes Health System 4 SUSSEX 40.9% 41.2% 0.9% JFK Medical Center 2 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 3 Jersey Shore Medical Center 4 UNION 27.6% 28.2% 2.3% –31 people wait for a lung transplant Saint Barnabas Medical Center 2 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 3 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 3 WARREN 38.3% 38.6% 0.7% Community Medical Center 2 Chilton Hospital 3 CentraState Medical Center 3 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 2 Hunterdon Medical Center 3 Union County Medical Examiner 3 TOTAL STATE 30.2% 30.7% 1.5% Fast Fact #1 Robert Wood Johnson, Hamilton 2 CentraState Medical Center 3 Cooper University Hospital 3 Close to 5,000 NJ residents are awaiting a Trinitas Regional Medical Center 1 Union County Medical Examiner 3 The University Hospital 3 life-saving transplant. Ocean Medical Center 1 Clara Maass Medical Medical Center 2 Ocean Medical Center 3 St. Francis Medical Center 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 2 The Valley Hospital 3 St. Mary’s Hospital 1 Jersey Shore Medical Center 2 Hackensack University Medical Center 2 MINORITY ORGAN DONATION AND Fast Fact #2 RWJ University Hospital, Rahway 1 JFK Medical Center 2 Jersey City Medical Center 2 One organ donor can save up to eight Somerset Medical Center 1 Riverview Medical Center 2 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 2 TRANSPLANTATION STATISTICS Riverview Medical Center 1 Newton Medical Center 2 Chilton Hospital 2 A first-ever report reveals the percentage of drivers registered to be organ and tis- lives and restore health to 50 others. In 2011, of the 2,730 minority deceased and 1,779 minority living Lourdes Health System 1 Community Medical Center 2 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Perth Amboy 2 sue donors at North and Central New Jersey motor vehicle agencies has spiked almost Chilton Hospital 1 Cooper University Hospital 2 St. Mary’s Hospital 2 donors nationwide, NJ had 65 minority deceased donors and 68 10 percent in the first six months of 2012, with the greatest increase seen at the Newark Bayshore Medical Center 1 St. Mary’s Hospital 2 Saint Clare’s Health System, Denville 2 minority living donors. In the US, 11,529 minority patients received Saint Clare’s Health System, Dover 1 Mountainside Hospital 2 organ transplants – including 254 in NJ. MVA. Across the state, the percentage of people signing up to be donors last year Saint Clare’s Health System, Denville 1 Hackettstown Regional Medical Center 2 remained flat, making the increase in Central and North Jersey unique and gratifying. DONATE LIFE REGIONAL GROUPS Mountainside Hospital 1 Warren Hospital 2 The report also found that Flemington had the highest donor registration rate at These task forces created throughout the state gather representatives from local regions to Hoboken University Medical Center 1 Monmouth County Medical Examiner 1 create strategic initiatives for reaching the nationwide goal of 50% registered organ and tissue The University Hospital 1 JFK Medical Center 1 50 percent, while five other communities — Newark, Wallington, Oakland Bayonne, donors. We partner with businesses, government agencies, houses of worship, schools, Ocean Medical Center 1 Newton Medical Center 1 and Toms River — achieved donation rate increases of more than 15 percent. hospitals, police/fire/EMS departments, and other organizations. If you are interested in Hackettstown Regional Medical Center 1 Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center 1 Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center 1 Saint Barnabas Medical Center 1 This data was part of a NJ Sharing Network report called Donor Designation & becoming part of your local group, please contact the leader nearest you: Saint Barnabas Medical Center 1 Bayshore Medical Center 1 Minority Transplantation Profile for New Jersey 2012 that was released in August 2012 REGION REGION LEADER REGION CONTACT INFO Bayshore Medical Center 1 Capital Health Medical Center 1 at a press conference at University Hospital in Newark in conjunction with National Capital Health Medical Center 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Old Bridge 1 Raritan Bay Medical Center at Old Bridge 1 St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 1 Minority Donor Awareness Week, a nationwide observance that aims to educate minori- Bergen/Passaic Jackie Lue Raia [email protected] The Valley Hospital 1 Holy Name Medical Center 1 ties about the ongoing, desperate need for organ and tissue donors within multicultural Monmouth/ Whitney Downer [email protected] St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital 1 St. Francis Medical Center 1 communities nationwide. Minorities in NJ comprise 60 percent of people on the U.S. Ocean Holy Name Medical Center 0 Saint Peter’s University Hospital 1 Bayonne/ MaryAnn Rosenberg [email protected] St. Francis Medical Center 0 Trinitas Regional Medical Center 1 transplant waiting list, while only representing 36 percent of living donors and 46 Jersey City Barbara Kuzminski [email protected] Jackie Lue Raia (right) and Gwen Anderson (left) the recipient of Raia's mother's Saint Peter’s University Hospital 0 Saint Clare’s Health System, Sussex 1 kidney, share a moment during a press conference at UMDNJ-The University Hospital. percent of deceased donors. Mercer Whitney Downer [email protected] Trinitas Regional Medical Center 0 Bayonne Medical Center 1 NJ Sharing Network credits ongoing community-based outreach initiatives and an Saint Clare’s Health System, Sussex 0 Bergen Regional Medical Center 1 Across the nation… Somerset/ Tom Pierno [email protected] enhanced relationship with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission for this increase in organ Hunterdon Warren Hospital 0 Bergen County Medical Examiner 1 Minorities make up 36% of the US population and comprise 56% of Essex Alyssa D'Addio [email protected] Bayonne Medical Center 0 Clara Maass Medical Center 0 individuals on the US transplant waiting list. They represent 30% of donor registration. The report was also covered by media including The Star-Ledger, NJ Bergen Regional Medical Center 0 Saint Clare’s Health System, Dover 0 Newark Lernard Freeman [email protected] living donors and 34% of deceased organ donors. • 101.5 radio, News 12 New Jersey and Fios 1 TV, aiding in further educating the public Bergen County Medical Examiner 0 Hoboken University Medical Center 0 Middlesex Jackie Lue Raia [email protected] Here in New Jersey… about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Warren Sandy Erwin [email protected] Data collected from January - June 2012 Minorities make up 44% of the state’s population and account for 60% Sussex Barbara Kellam-Scott [email protected] of patients on the organ transplant waiting list. They represent 36% of Union/Morris Elizabeth Stamler [email protected] living donors and 46% of deceased organ donors.

2424 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION www.NJSharingNetwork.org 25 National Donor Sabbath Spreads Spiritual Messages of Giving Faith-Based Outreach Efforts Encouraged Year-Round

Two weekends before Thanksgiving every • Production of two videos in collaboration November marks National Donor Sabbath — a with Clear Channel and Comcast Cable to time where religious congregations celebrate help educate about the importance of organ the season of giving, including giving the gift and tissue donation. The Comcast Cable of life through organ and tissue donation. video featured personal testimonials about Endorsed by the US Department of Health and organ and tissue donation from ethnically Jessica Melore with Father Bismark of St. Peter and Paul in Human Services, National Donor Sabbath is a diverse donor families, recipients and faith- Hoboken following her presentation at a recent Sunday movement where faith leaders across the coun - based leaders. The Clear Channel video for Mass. try raise public awareness about the critical need online viewing featured radio personalities DJ Following Jessica’s presentation, one of the for organ and tissue donors and encourage Envy of Power 105.1 FM and Cubby of visiting Priests in attendance, Father Bis - people to register to be a donor. WKTU-FM conducting “man-on-the-street” marck, shared with the congregation that he As part of NJ Sharing Network’s ongoing interviews asking people what they knew recently decided to become an organ donor faith-outreach initiative, various activities and about organ and tissue donation. after not being one previously. A special events have extended this celebration year- thanks to Maryann Rosenberg, co-leader of round. • NJ Sharing Network partnered with organiz - Donate Life Bayonne/Jersey City who helped ers of the Navrati Hindu Cultural Festival in organize this very successful event. • Faith leaders from around the state gathered Jersey City and local Baptist conventions, as October 10 at NJ Sharing Network to learn well as temples, churches and mosques across To learn more about how you can help NJ more about how they could share the life-sav - the state to conduct organ and tissue dona - Sharing Network’s efforts during National Donor ing message of organ and tissue donation tion awareness presentations. Sabbath and beyond in 2013, please contact Jessica during Donor Sabbath and throughout the Melore at 908-516-5688 or [email protected]. year. Religious leaders from the Christian, • Heart recipient and senior education and Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim communities partnerships manager of NJ Sharing Net - also talked about their support and personal work, Jessica Melore, spoke during Sunday Ways You Can Help experiences with donation and how they in - Mass on July 22 to educate the congregation • Ask your religious leader to share his/her corporate that message into their services. of St. Peter and Paul in Hoboken about the support for donation or have a guest importance of organ and tissue donation. speaker during a service • Contact NJ Sharing Network for sample FACT OR FICTION? scriptures, resources, and volunteers Some common misconceptions about • Host an organ and tissue donation information organ and tissue donation: table at faith events and before/after services • Include information about organ and tissue MYTH: It’s against my religion to donate my organs and tissue. donation and how to register in the house of worship’s bulletins, newsletters, and web FACT: All major faiths and denominations in the US support both living and deceased donation.

MYTH: Organ donation prevents people from being buried in a timely manner.

FACT: Organ donation does not have to delay the burial of loved ones. NJ Sharing Network will work with the hospital, transplant centers and funeral director to ensure that donation and burial/ funeral arrangements are possible and timely.

26 25 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION The first day of October proved to be a spectacular day for the NJ Sharing Net - EVENT SPONSORS work Foundation at the 14th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic at Plainfield Country Club. PRESENTING SPONSOR Document Solutions Foundation Board member and donor mom Suzann Rizzo addressed the golfers before Barnabas Health Investors Bank the shotgun start of the event, which raised more than $150,000. More than 100 golfers Lourdes Health System took advantage of the opportunity to play at the top-ranked golf course, home to the GOLD SPONSOR MagnetMailers.com, LLC Mark & Helen Reagan Ogilvy CommonHealth 2011 Barclay’s. Foundation Board Chair and living kidney donor Donna Albanese also Worldwide welcomed the 24 tennis players to the outing. SILVER SPONSORS Raritan Bay Medical Following the day-long event, attendees were invited to an evening reception Brinton Eaton Saul Ewing, LLP where they were addressed by keynote speaker, Mike Strusiak, a kidney and pancreas Genentech, The Hampshire Companies transplant recipient. Attendees also had the chance to win numerous prizes through a member of Roche Group William H. Connolly & Co. Hackensack University the tricky tray/silent auction. A special thanks to all who participated! Medical Center TENNIS PRESENTING LifeCell Corporation SPONSORS Musculoskeletal CJS Violations Services Transplant Foundation Evergreen Millennium Pfizer, Inc. Capital Inc Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital TENNIS REFRESHMENT ShopRite SPONSOR (Village Supermarkets) Davis Enterprises Wells Fargo Bank, NA Wiss & Company, LLP FOOD STATION RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY BRONZE SPONSORS SPONSOR ASA Apple A&A Benefits Consultants

EVENT COMMITTEE Peter Rooney, Alberta D’Addio Committee Chair Elisse Glennon Alli Keleman Philip S. Kolm Event Coordinator Jackie Lue Raia Alida Sandoval Barry Newman Event Coordinator Gerry Vadas Donna Albanese

More photos from the Golf & Tennis Classic can be found at www.NJSharingNetwork.org www.NJSharingNetwork.org 27 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage 691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 PAID Union, NJ 1-800-742-7365 • 908-516-5400 Permit No. 931

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Diary of a Recovery Specialist family must feel saddens me and I say a quick prayer to touch the shoulder of the donor and thank him for for them. his gift. No one has to see me, but it’s okay if they do. I have to remind myself to remain confident as I I always hold the donors in the highest esteem and assist the surgeon to recover the organs. I have been want to acknowledge them for their life-saving and highly trained and am thankful for having a steady life-enhancing gift. hand. Once recovered, I perfuse the organs with the I never know what will happen during my 48- solutions that will give them the best chance to stay vi - hour call period. I could be running to a waiting plane able and function when transplanted into the with a transplant surgeon to assist with the recovery of The flashing red lights and the piercing sound of recipient(s) who so desperately need them. a heart, lungs or a liver, or packing supplies and a blaring siren remind me of the life-saving organ I have My phone rings as I am backing out of the hospi - instruments for a case. Despite how tired I may feel, I been entrusted with. As a recovery specialist from NJ tal. I have been called to do a tissue recovery. I will be never forget that there are lives to be saved. I do my Sharing Network, I realize that time is crucial, so I working with three other colleagues. We have been job with respect, dignity and am always grateful for cautiously race through traffic to get to the hospital. I trained to surgically recover all tissue that is procured the organs that are being shared. I know that we are know waiting at the hospital is the patient that will for N J Sharing Network. Bone, skin, ligaments, heart honoring the wishes of the donors and their families. receive the organ that I so carefully packaged and la - valves and saphenous veins are tissue that can be used Each donor is special to me. I realize that this person is beled only 40 minutes earlier. Thoughts of the donor to enhance and sometimes save the lives of others. As somebody’s loved one, and that there is a family who fill my mind as I pull into the hospital. The loss the the recovery is ending, I lean down and take a moment is giving to help others at a time of loss and sorrow.

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