Waiting for the Call

FA L L 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 4 • I S S U E 3

A PUBLICATION OF NJ SHARING NETWORK

Innovative Lab Sciences Saving More Lives

WAITING FOR THE CALL: One Woman’s Hope, Another Woman’s Faith We spend considerable time talking about the waiting list in New Jersey; right now there are nearly 5,000 people hoping and praying for a life-saving organ. At NJ Sharing Network, we celebrate every life saved BOARD OF TRUSTEES when an organ is matched with someone on this list. And, along with the families, we mourn the loss of a loved one Vito Pulito and those who simply couldn’t wait any longer. Chair Bruce I. Goldstein, Esq. Our organization is proud that we save as many lives as Vice Chair we do, but it haunts us to know that people still die every day waiting. Together, we must ensure Howard A. Nelson Treasurer that anyone who wants to be an organ donor knows about the process and is promptly registered. Marc H. Lory In this issue of Circle of Life, we tell the story of hope and perseverance through the eyes of Secretary Dorothea Duffy, who has been on the waiting list for a kidney since 2010. She recently visited Saint Patrick M. Buddle, MD Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where she heard comforting words from Dr. Stuart R. Margaret Dreker Geffner, a transplant surgeon, and Gwendolyn Anderson, a Newark woman who was fortunate to Bonnie Evans receive a kidney nearly four years ago. Edward J. Florio, Esq. Michael P. Hedden NJ Sharing Network is also working to reduce the waiting list through the groundbreaking Aline M. Holmes, RN work of our on-site lab. Under the leadership of Dr. Prakash Rao, we are finding ways to make Anthony L. Marchetta more donated organs viable for transplant, helping ensure that precious gifts are not wasted. Vijay Rajput, MD You can learn more about Dr. Rao and his incredible team in this issue of the magazine, in Timothy J. Touhey which we are proud to profile their work, a state-of-the-art lab and his commitment to medical advances that will ultimately save lives in New Jersey and across the globe. ADVISORY BOARD During this year’s National Donor Sabbath Nov. 15-17, we focused on compassion, courage, Loretta Aigner, RN and charity – virtues of central significance for every major religion. As always, NJ Sharing Network Transplant Center Administrator Representative hosted events with clergy, who play a critical role in guiding families through serious lifetime Gail Clegg Organ and Tissue Donor Family Member Representative decisions. Roseann DiBrienza, RN, MS Thank you for your continued support of NJ Sharing Network. Together, we are making an Public Representative incredible difference in reducing the waiting list. Stuart R. Geﬀner, MD Transplant Surgeon Representative Michael Gould, MD Emergency Room Personnel Representative Sarah E. Jensen, Esq. Public Representative David A. Laskow, MD Transplant Surgeon Representative James Lim, MD Joseph S. Roth Transplant Surgeon Representative President and Chief Executive Officer Debra L. Morgan, MSW, LCSW NJ Sharing Network Transplant Center Administrator Representative Shamkant Mulgaonkar, MD Transplant Center Administrator Representative Trish O’Keefe, RN, MSN Hospital Administrator Representative Ty J. Olson, MD Neurosurgeon Representative John S. Radomski, MD Transplant Surgeon Representative Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD Human Histocompatibility Specialist Representative Bruce Stroever Tissue Bank Representative Harry Sun, MD Transplant Surgeon Representative Pictured (l-r): Dr. Stuart R. Geffner, Dorothea Dorian J. Wilson, MD Duffy, and Gwendolyn Anderson at Saint Transplant Surgeon Representative Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Mark J. Zucker, MD Transplant Physician Representative On the Cover: Pictured (l-r): Dorothea Duffy, waiting for a kidney; Dr. Stuart R. Geffner, transplant surgeon at Saint Barnabas; Gwendolyn Anderson, kidney transplant recipient.

2 SUMMER 2013 FOUNDATION BOARD

Peter Rooney, Chair Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide Resident of Mendham As the year comes to a close, I would like to reflect on Marla Bace, Vice Chair our successes and give thanks to all who have helped us in Circles, a division of Sodexo Resident of Berkeley Heights our life-saving mission. Let me start by telling you about Philip S. Kolm, Treasurer our 15th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic, held for the first Resident of Fort Lee time at the prestigious Baltusrol Golf Club. Golfers enjoyed Alberta D’Addio, Secretary Resident of Watchung playing on the same beautiful course that will host the Donna Albanese-DeMair, Immediate Past Chair 2016 PGA Championship, and we look forward to another Dairy Queen of Plainfield classic on October 6 of next year as our relationship with Resident of Scotch Plains J.D. de Leon Baltusrol continues. Resident of Jersey City Juanita DiNizo More important, the event helped us raise philanthropic dollars to further our efforts to save Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital lives through organ and tissue donation. These projects include the new organ and tissue donation Resident of Scotch Plains exhibit at Liberty Science Center, the publication of a children’s book that explores our annual Lenore C. Ford Resident of Morristown 5K fundraiser through the eyes of a child, and EffectiveArts, an organization that uses consulting, Randi Geﬀner research and training to improve consent rates. Resident of Livingston Honorable F. Michael Giles Your support also enables us to be represented on the Donate Life America Rose Parade float. Resident of West Orange Millions of television viewers will see Bergen County resident Pam Drozd honor her husband’s final Derlys M. Gutierrez, Esq. act of kindness — the gift of life — at the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California Adams Stern Gutierrez & Lattiboudere, LLC Resident of Montclair on New Year’s Day. Pam’s husband, Mike, passed away in 2008 and became a tissue donor helping Thomas Ludlum, Esq. 57 people. Pam will decorate a “floragraph” portrait of Mike that will be displayed on the float. City of Paterson Law Department Ludlum Law Oﬃces I hope you enjoy this issue, which includes a poignant article about the challenge of waiting for Resident of Glen Rock a life-saving organ, as well as an exploration of our state-of-the-art laboratory and its critical role in Lisa Meyers Summit YMCA our mission to save lives. On page 14 we list the supporters of our 2013 Annual Fund — and I want Resident of Summit to thank every one of them for their generosity and commitment to our work. Anthony E. Pizzutillo Smith Pizzutillo LLC And let me welcome Dan Sarnowski, the newest member of our Foundation board. Dan Resident of Lawrenceville volunteers to honor the gift of his longtime companion, Betsy Niles, who became an organ donor Helen Taverna Reagan Resident of Basking Ridge in 2011. I know our board will benefit from Dan’s insight, ideas and commitment. Suzann Rizzo Finally I want to tell you that we are already gearing up for next year’s 4th Annual NJ Sharing Investors Bank Resident of Staten Island Network 5K Walk & USATF-Certified Race. Mark your calendars for June 8, 2014, and please accept Daniel Sarnowski my heartfelt thanks for all the ways you support our mission to save lives. Resident of Cutchogue, NY Bernard Simon Resident of Edison Myles Varley Personal Resource Management Associates, Inc. Resident of Mount Olive Township

Ex-Oﬃcio Members: Joseph S. Roth President and CEO Elisse Glennon NJ Sharing Network Executive Director, Foundation Barry Newman NJ Sharing Network Chief Financial Oﬃcer NJ Sharing Network Elisse Glennon Executive Director NJ Sharing Network Foundation EDITORIAL TEAM

Mara Barlow Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications NJ Sharing Network Members of Team Liberty traveled to Houston, Texas, to attend the manager’s Lernard Freeman planning meeting for the 2014 Transplant Public Relations Manager Games of America taking place in the city. NJ Sharing Network Team Liberty, a program of the NJ Sharing Co-Produced by Jaﬀe Communications Network Foundation, supports transplant & Campbell Health Media community athletes who compete in Olympic-style games. Pictured (l-r) are Team Contributors: Liberty co-managers Victor DiSanto, Jay Arisso, Jr. Michael Strusiak, Michael DiPiano and Pam DeLuca Patti DiSanto. More information is available Jan Hines at GoTeamLiberty.org. David O’Hara

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 3 SHARINGnews Hope, Healing at Remembrance Ceremony

More than 300 people came together at the beautiful spirit forever in our hearts. May his annual Donor Remembrance Ceremony on legacy live on in his children and in those who October 20 to remember and honor our donors. received his gifts.” NJ Sharing Network staff, donor family members Some families paid tribute with poems or letters and recipients shared hugs and tears with the and other poignant words, as photographs families as their loved ones were remembered in flashed on a screen. Kevin Morales Mejill will a special photo and tribute presentation. It was “always be in our hearts” and Scott Miller’s a day of healing and hope as stories of courage, memory “remains in his ability to give others a generosity and love overflowed. reason to smile.” The family of Kurt Daniel Bund- Among those present were Ret. Honorable Judge schuh will “find comfort knowing that through his and Mrs. F. Michael Giles, who came to honor death he has helped others.” Tears fell as so their son, Dr. Randall Giles. A part of their tribute many other families remembered their loved to him read: “He was a physician who cared one’s legacy of hope and generosity. about people and always tried to ease discom- fort. He is truly one of the greatest blessings to grace our lives and we are blessed to have his

CBS News: Training Dates A Hero’s Legacy Lives On Nursing Contact Hours An emotional and poignant segment on CBS national December 10, 2013 news tells the story of Mary DiNardo meeting the NJ Sharing Network Headquarters recipient of her husband's heart, Don Zolkwisky, a decorated war veteran from South Plainfield. Mary’s 9:00 – 10:00 AM and 4:00 – 5:00 PM husband, Marc DiNardo, was a 37-year-old Jersey City Contact Barbara Turci at police detective killed in the line of duty in 2009. [email protected] Recently, Mary met Don for the first time at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence. Newscaster Volunteer Certification Training Scott Pelley opened the CBS segment by saying that January 25, 2014 even after his death, Detective Marc DiNardo contin- NJ Sharing Network Headquarters ues to save lives. The segment can be viewed on NJSharingNetwork.org. Pictured are Don and Mary with Contact Pam DeLuca at the DiNardo children, Marc Anthony, 7, Ella, 6, and [email protected] Gwendolyn, 8. Donor Advocacy Training Days January 10, 2014 Morristown Medical Center January 27, 2014 National Donor Sabbath Programs Saint Barnabas Medical Center Faith leaders can provide crucial support to families disciplinary faith leaders about how donation saves Contact Barbara Mariani at facing unforeseen tragedy. To increase support lives, restores health, and offers hope and healing to and understanding of organ and tissue donation, the communities they serve. [email protected] NJ Sharing Network has faith-based outreach efforts The events were in preparation for National Donor year-round for religious leaders of all faiths. Sabbath Weekend that took To strengthen those bonds, NJ Sharing Network place November 15-17. At the participates in conferences and hosts programs for the gatherings, faith leaders, such as religious community. On September 26, NJ Sharing Jewish rabbis, Catholic priests, Network participated in the Pastors Appreciation Lunch- Protestant ministers, Buddhist leaders and others spoke about eon in New York, hosted by Dr. David Jeremiah, founder how their religious faith supports of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries. More donation as a generous, lifesav- than 600 pastors from the tri-state area attended, ing act. “Each year we gather with providing NJ Sharing Network with a great way to faith leaders who talk about the connect with New Jersey’s faith-based community. value of donation. They talk about On October 9, religious leaders gathered at NJ Sharing how donation is a generous act Network headquarters for a Donor Sabbath Faith-Based supported by their faith,” said Jay Community Gathering. The religious leaders heard Arisso, Jr., manager of family personal testimony and gained perspective from inter- services at NJ Sharing Network.

4 FALL 2013 Lives Saved through Lives Enhanced through Volunteer Spotlight Organ Donation* Tissue Donation* Bayonne Medical Center 5 Bayonne Medical Center 326 Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell 2 Bayshore Community Hospital 316 It was in 2002 that NJ Sharing Network Capital Health Regional Medical Center 36 Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell 370 volunteer Matt Barbagallo donated the kidney Chilton Hospital 2 Capital Health Regional Medical Center 1250 that extended his mother’s life by six years. Cooper University Hospital 40 Care One at Trinitas 2 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 5 CentraState Medical Center 428 It also was his first step into understanding Hackensack University Medical Center 11 Chilton Hospital 750 the amazing gift of organ and tissue donation Hoboken University Medical Center 2 Christ Hospital 318 and how such generosity can help so many Holy Name Hospital 2 Clara Maass Medical Center 426 Jersey City Medical Center 9 Community Medical Center 812 people live happy and healthy lives. Jersey Shore University Medical Center 26 Compassionate Care Hospice 8 In March 2007, Matt learned about NJ JFK Medical Center 20 Cooper University Hospital 1076 Sharing Network when a volunteer was needed Morristown Medical Center 22 East Orange General Hospital 100 to participate in a display at Paramus High Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 5 Englewood Hospital and Medical Center 280 Ocean Medical Center 3 Hackensack University Medical Center 1394 School, where he works as a custodian. From Overlook Medical Center 4 Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack 2 there, he was asked to staff a table at the local Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge 3 Hackettstown Regional Med. Center 408 Motor Vehicle Commission agency in Oakland. Riverview Medical Center 2 Hoboken University Medical Center 516 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 17 Holy Name Hospital 466 And so from the end of 2007 until today, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway 2 Hunterdon Medical Center 328 you can find Matt every Saturday morning at Saint Barnabas Medical Center 8 Jersey City Medical Center 192 the MVC agency. He sets up his table and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center 26 Jersey Shore University Medical Center 1316 display by 7:45 a.m., says hello to his many The Valley Hospital 11 JFK Medical Center 1048 friends on the MVC staff and spends the morn- University Hospital 32 Kessler North 42 ing encouraging motorists to check the box University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro 2 Kimball Medical Center 184 January - September 2013 Total 297 Kindred Hospital Rahway 2 to register as potential organ donors. “Matt Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center 132 has played an instrumental role in helping Monmouth County Medical Examiner 42 NJ Sharing Network increase the number of New Jersey,” said Pam DeLuca, who oversees Monmouth Medical Center 372 people who are on the donor registry. This is the volunteer program as assistant director of Morris County Medical Examiner 242 the first step in helping the nearly 5,000 people NJ Sharing Network Foundation. Morristown Medical Center 1464 Mountainside Hospital 280 waiting for a life-saving transplant here in “When people come in I answer questions Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 478 about organ donation and try to point them in Newton Medical Center 136 the right direction,” he said. “I talk about the Ocean County Medical Examiner 332 Ocean Medical Center 176 need to make the registry bigger and about how Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center 650 organ and tissue donation saves lives. When Overlook Medical Center 1014 people thank me, it puts a big smile on my face. Palisades Medical Center 404 It means so much.” Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge 230 Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy 428 If you would like to learn more about Regional Medical Examiner 92 NJ Sharing Network’s Volunteer Ambassador Riverview Medical Center 524 program, please contact Pam DeLuca at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 986 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton 424 [email protected]. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway 688 Saint Barnabas Medical Center 390 Saint Clare’s Hospital Denville 526 DONOR REGISTRATION GROWS IN NJ Saint Clare’s Hospital Dover 362 Saint Clare’s Hospital Sussex 372 There are 5.6 million licensed drivers and ID holders living in Northern and Central NJ. Select Specialty Hospital Northeast NJ 2 The number of people registering as organ and tissue donors continues to grow each year. Somerset Medical Center 110 Despite this increase, New Jersey still ranks among the lowest in the nation. St. Francis Medical Center 230 St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center 740 County 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Q2 St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital 44 St. Luke’s Warren Hospital 226 HUNTERDON 36.1% 38.7% 40.5% 42.8% 44.0% 44.7% 45.1% St. Marys Hospital 92 SUSSEX 33.0% 35.9% 38.0% 40.1% 40.9% 41.4% 41.7% St. Michael’s Medical Center 438 MORRIS 30.8% 33.5% 35.8% 37.9% 38.9% 39.4% 39.9% St. Peter’s University Hospital 96 WARREN 30.8% 33.4% 35.3% 37.5% 38.3% 38.8% 39.2% The Valley Hospital 896 SOMERSET 25.4% 28.3% 30.6% 33.5% 34.9% 35.7% 36.3% Trinitas Regional Medical Center 454 MONMOUTH 26.7% 29.1% 31.1% 33.4% 34.5% 35.2% 35.8% University Hospital 286 MERCER 23.2% 25.9% 28.5% 31.3% 32.7% 33.3% 33.9% University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro 208 OCEAN 26.3% 28.4% 30.0% 31.8% 32.5% 32.9% 33.2% VA New Jersey Heath Care System - East Orange 4 BERGEN 21.9% 24.1% 25.9% 27.6% 28.4% 28.9% 29.5% Vandermay Funeral Home 42 UNION 17.9% 20.6% 23.1% 26.0% 27.6% 28.6% 29.4% January - September 2013 Total 26,972 MIDDLESEX 18.2% 20.7% 22.9% 25.4% 26.6% 27.3% 28.1% HUDSON 14.7% 17.5% 20.3% 23.2% 24.9% 26.0% 26.9% ESSEX 16.9% 19.4% 21.5% 23.6% 24.8% 25.7% 26.5% * One organ donor can save up to eight lives. It is estimated that one bone donor can help 50 people, one skin donor can PASSAIC 18.1% 20.3% 22.2% 24.2% 24.9% 25.4% 25.9% help 40 people, one heart valve donor can help two people. Grand Total 22.3% 24.7% 26.8% 29.1% 30.2% 30.9% 31.5%

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 5 SOCIAL

Peter Rooney, chair of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board, paid a visit to 5K Platinum Sponsor, Novartis, to present company representatives with a 5K banner and to say “thank you” for helping make the 2013 5K Walk/Race the best ever. Pictured (l-r) with Peter are Novartis Team members Katherine Fehon and Lori Ryan.

Sherri Shepherd, co-host of the ABC daytime talk show PGA TOUR player and two-time “The View,” proudly displays the power of organ and tissue heart transplant recipient Erik donation with NJ Sharing Network volunteers (l-r) Russ Compton (on left) gives fellow Jackson and Steve Simms at a community event sponsored heart transplant recipient and by the YMCA. NJ Sharing Network is partnering with the NJ Sharing Network volunteer New Jersey YMCA State Alliance to raise awareness and a member of Team Liberty, about the life-saving benefits of organ donation. Joe DiSanto, a few pointers at a youth golf clinic at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. NJ Sharing Network teamed up with Compton to host a golf clinic for transplant recipients to help spread the word about the importance of donor designation.

NJ Sharing Network was excited to support the Plainfield Dairy Queen’s “Christmas in July” bicycle giveaway program. Pictured (l-r) at the event are: Plainfield Fire Chief Frank R. Towell, Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Donna Albanese-DeMair; owner of the Plainfield Dairy Queen and a member of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board, and Alida Sandoval, events and communications coordinator for NJ Sharing Network.

Jackie Lue Raia (pictured in red), assistant director of resource develop- Linda and Dennis Dayback, posing in front of one of the 29 “Quilts of ment at NJ Sharing Network, visited Love,” visited NJ Sharing Network to share their daughter Courtney’s members of the Tzu Chi International personal story. Courtney passed away in 2008. Her gift of organ Medical Association to discuss ways donation saved seven lives. The Dayback family honors Courtney’s the two groups can collaborate to memory each year at the 5K as part of “Team Courtney,” one of promote organ donation awareness. our top fundraising 5K teams.

6 Katty and Angel Mercado (pictured in middle) visited School nurses in the Clifton Public School District NJ Sharing Network headquarters and shared the enjoyed speaking with NJ Sharing Network about moving story of their six-week-old daughter, Melissa, the importance of organ and tissue donation during who gave the life-saving gift of organ donation. The the district’s professional education day. couple was joined by family and friends who are part of Team Butterfly, formed to honor Melissa’s memory at our 5K Walk/Race.

Along with her family, Patti Jackson, pictured holding her daughter, Parker, honors the memory of her other daughter, Zoe, whose donated organs saved three lives. Smiling with Patti is her mother, Patricia Jackson, and grandmother, Elsie Baskerville.

NJ Sharing Network and the New Jersey State Bar Association have begun a partnership to support Tracie Jean Francois (on left), a student at Eastwick organ and tissue donation. Lawyers College who received the gift of sight from a corneal from around New Jersey gathered at transplant, and Michele Dabal, a liver transplant NJ Sharing Network headquarters in recipient and NJ Sharing Network volunteer, shared October to network and view the their personal connection to organ donation and state-of-the-art laboratory, as well transplantation with students at Eastwick College. as exhibits celebrating the legacy and generosity of donors.

The popular “Donate Life Around The World” series featured Helen LaCarrubba, senior specialist at NJ Sharing Network, and her furry four-legged friend, a llama, displaying the power of organ donation at scenic Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. NJ Sharing Network had a blast talking with Steve Adubato (pictured in middle), host of the award-winning “Caucus: New Jersey” show, about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation. Pictured (seated, left to right) are: John Longo, a donor family member, and E. Denise Peoples, a double lung transplant recipient. Standing is Dorothea Duffy, who is waiting for a kidney transplant, and Jay Arisso, Jr., manager of family services at NJ Sharing Network. To see more pictures from our events, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. 7 For Dorothea (Dede) Duffy, “The Call” said. “I do believe someday I will finally get a Two weeks later, Dorothea woke up with could come today. Or tomorrow. Or next kidney and things will change.” unbearable pain in her shoulders and arms. It month. Or maybe next year. Dorothea is among the 4,054 people living was the beginning. Her life is a waiting game. in New Jersey waiting for a kidney, according to After being tested for numerous diseases; Three times each week she sits in a large the latest federal data. The stakes are enor- her physicians confirmed that her kidneys were hospital chair, for several hours, while blood mous. The average wait is five to seven years, failing. She was eventually diagnosed with Fremoved from her body is sent to a dialysis while the average life expectancy for a person Wegener's granulomatosis, an autoimmune dis- machine and then returned to her bloodstream. on kidney dialysis is just five to six years. order that causes inflammation of blood vessels The process is keeping her alive as she waits for Dorothea never imagined she would find and often leads to renal failure. She remained a kidney transplant and the chance for a new herself waiting for an organ transplant. In early hospitalized for more than a month and left so life. January, 2010, she was exceedingly healthy and sick she needed to learn to walk again. But she has not lost hope that she will worked as a graphic design manager for a major Today dialysis is part of her routine. receive “The Call.” pharmaceutical company. Then, she and her “Your whole life revolves around those “I don't believe that for the rest of my life entire team were laid off when most of the three appointments each week. It is very impor- I will be on dialysis,” the Lincoln Park woman company was relocated and restructured. tant that you are on time. Everything must be

8 FALL 2013 WAIT, HOPE, Healing Two Women and the Journey They Share

on schedule because if you are late the next per- three NJ Sharing Network 5K fundraisers as transplants — half of them from living donors son will start late,” she explained. “I am very part of Team Dorothea. — making it one of the busiest kidney trans- careful with my diet and levels of potassium, Recently, Dorothea met at Saint Barnabas plant centers in the nation. Yet more than 1,000 phosphorus, protein, and limited daily fluid Medical Center in Livingston with Dr. Stuart R. people remain on the medical center’s trans- intake. If a kidney becomes available, you must Geffner, a transplant surgeon, and Gwendolyn plant waiting list at Saint Barnabas alone. be in good health or you won't get the organ,” Anderson, a Newark woman who received a Dr. Geffner said he must balance the reality noted Dorothea. kidney nearly four years ago. of the statistics with efforts to keep patients Her positive attitude, as well as the support “Never, ever give up!” Gwendolyn said to healthy and hopeful. of friends and family, keeps her hopes high even Dorothea as the two walked in the gardens out- “I tell my patients, ‘I have every reason to as the months and years have passed. She stays side the hospital. “If I gave up, I wouldn’t be believe you will get a transplant at some point’,” busy, occasionally traveling (arranging dialysis here today. You have to keep yourself healthy. Dr. Geffner said. “I tell them it is important to at other facilities) and volunteers through her Don't lose hope!” stay positive.” church and other organizations to help others. Dr. Geffner, also in the gardens that after- Dr. Geffner referred to NJ Sharing Net- A team of family and friends has been an incred- noon, agreed. Each year, Saint Barnabas Med- work as a partner critical to the efforts to save ible support network, joining her at the past ical Center performs more than 300 kidney lives through organ transplants.

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 9 The latest number of people in 4,054New Jersey waiting for a kidney transplant New Jersey Transplant Centers

Hackensack University Medical Center Robert Wood Johnson University (kidney, pancreas and kidney/ Medical Center, New Brunswick pancreas transplants) (201) 996-2000 (kidney, pancreas, kidney/pancreas and heart transplants) (732) 828-3000 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (kidney, pancreas, lung and heart transplants) Saint Barnabas Medical Center, (973) 926-7000 Livingston (kidney, pancreas and kidney/ Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, pancreas transplants) (973) 322-5000 Camden (kidney, liver, pancreas and kidney/pancreas University Hospital, Newark transplants) (609) 757-3500 (liver transplants) (973) 972-4300

In another partnership with NJ Sharing formed gave Gwendolyn a second chance at life. gave Gwendolyn her much-needed kidney. Network and Saint Barnabas, Dr. Geffner broad- “Oh, I remember that day he came to my room Jackie, so moved by the knowledge that her casts living kidney transplants, on closed circuit and he was very handsome and he was wearing mother's generosity saved two lives, now works television, to science students at Liberty Science a sweatshirt and sneakers,” Gwendolyn recalled. for NJ Sharing Network as assistant director of Center in Jersey City. Dr. Geffner exudes enthu- “What day was it?” Dr. Geffner asked, won- resource development. Jackie and Gwendolyn siasm as he discusses the unique program. dering about the weekend attire. (It was a Sun- have since developed a special bond. “The students at the science center see day.) Walking in the gardens, Dorothea told exactly what I see. They have a direct link to the “It was January 24, 2010,” Gwendolyn Gwendolyn that she celebrates each person surgery. They see that we really save lives,” he quickly replied. “Ever since then I think of you who receives the organ they need. Their stories said, adding he uses the opportunity to let the every day. I think of you every day and I think help her stay optimistic. Gwendolyn listened students know about the critical need for organ of Jackie every day,” she said. and then gently took Dorothea’s hand, provid- and tissue donation. Jackie is Jacqueline Lue Raia, whose ing comfort and hope for the future, as they One of the transplants Dr. Geffner per- mother Ena Lue became the organ donor who walked together. I

I tell them it is important “ to stay positive.”

10 FALL 2013 Matchmaking for Life Lab Continues to Break New Ground

Dr. Prakash Rao (on left), head of NJ Sharing Network’s state-of-the-art lab, with senior specialists Helen LaCarrubba and Dennis Miguel.

It’s 9:30 a.m. on a typical morning at NJ The team must have the most accurate setting agility that can secure a match in less Sharing Network’s Transplant Laboratory. The information possible; a large television screen time than most other labs in the world. team is intently processing blood samples of hangs on the lab wall, displaying a list of some It is a life-and-death business, Dr. Rao New Jersey residents in dire need of organ and 20 potential donors who are current patients at notes, pointing to his desktop computer screen tissue transplants. New Jersey hospitals. Their progress is closely that shows 120,140 people that morning on the IThe lab staff is quietly and without fanfare reviewed. national waiting list for a life-saving organ. consumed with making immunological matches There is a close relationship between hos- “There is a significant donor shortage in this between donors and potential recipients. The lab pitals and NJ Sharing Network. When there is country. Perhaps it is cultural, perhaps it is is looking at specific markers in blood samples, the possibility that organs may become available, socio-economic, perhaps it is because of a lack known as human leucocyte antigens (HLA). a phone call is quickly made and assessments of education,” he said. “But there are many sick These are protein molecules that determine tis- begin. Today, like all other days, has seen con- people in America desperate for a transplant.” sue compatibility for organ transplantation. stant communication between laboratory staff, With such a great need for organs, a grow- The more HLA molecules that two people transplant coordinators and the medical teams. ing number of transplant centers are moving share, the more they are considered a good The lab operates non-stop throughout the toward living donors of kidneys. Dr. Rao said match and the better the chance that the recipi- year, 24 hours a day. Staff members rely on his lab has to work quickly to ascertain an ent’s immune system will accept the new organ. detailed and complex procedures that take six immunological match between recipients and Many roadblocks exist to making the right to eight months to master. The latest technolo- living donors. match. Often when a person is waiting for a life- gies are continually implemented, maximizing saving organ, he or she undergoes blood transfu- efficiency in the shortest amount of time. The Ongoing Battle sions and other immunological stimuli. These can Organs can last without oxygen for only so Against Antibodies give rise to HLA antibodies that, if not evaluated long. Lungs and hearts must be transplanted Lab staff members spend their days and managed, seriously hinder transplantation. within four hours of removal from the donor. conducting “antibody audits” to learn to what “Our job is to make sure whatever donor Kidneys can be transplanted several hours later, degree patients have become sensitized with organ becomes available does not have HLA allowing for more precise and hands-on studies antibodies from various sources of blood and antigens that react with the antibodies in the of potential matches. But Dr. Rao says speed other immunologic stimuli. recipient,” explained Dr. Prakash Rao, Vice remains the critical factor in ensuring valuable The lab is currently working with about President, Laboratory and Research Operations organs aren’t damaged by lack of oxygen. 3,000 patients waiting for organs; about 1,800 at NJ Sharing Network. Dr. Rao oversees a lab of 32 transplant patient files are worked on each month. “We put together the donor and the recip- experts, who swiftly manipulate some of the lat- Patients’ blood is taken once a month for anti- ient; basically we are eHarmonyTM for transplan- est gadgetry available to ascertain matches, body testing. The lab is able to gauge and meas- tation,” Dr. Rao said. “We are the final arbiters while efficiently moving from one task to the ure how antibodies wax and wane in the blood, for life-saving transplantation. It is here – next. The team designed the 7,000-square-foot creating a roadmap for the lab personnel and through the work of the lab – that the life-saving facility in 2009 to accommodate state-of-the-art transplant team when it becomes time to secure transplant gets the final ‘yea’ or ‘nay’.” systems, groundbreaking research and industry- a match.

www.NJSharingNetwork.org 11 Dr. Rao said the lab conducts about 170 audits, rather than physical analysis of the “If we can succeed, we can shrink the time tests a day for HLA typing, for antibodies, for donor’s blood, doctors can make an educated window to the point where we can theoretically cross matches and for blood group testing. He guess if there will be a good match between a do prospective cross-matches for livers, hearts said the lab has a staff retention rate of 85-90 recipient and a donor for hearts and lungs and lungs, rather than relying on virtual cross percent, with many long-term employees who during the four-hour window. These results are matches,” Dr. Rao said. “This would greatly know his system and high expectations. always confirmed with a cross-match following minimize the amount of rejection.” transplantation. In other research, the lab is looking at ways For kidneys, the lab has up to 24 hours to increase kidney donation. Dr. Rao said that to make a match and coordinate a trans- 18 percent of donated kidneys are not being plant. It is a tremendous luxury to have used for a variety of reasons. The lab is now the time to be able to do physical cross- exploring specific beacons, or markers, within matching at NJ Sharing Network’s lab. the cells of a kidney to predict if it has been Because of time constraints, cross- injured during the preservation process and matches for liver, heart and lung trans- would likely fail if transplanted. From there, plants are performed retrospectively, as steps can be taken to save the organ. soon as possible following the transplant. “The percentage of kidneys not being used “We take the donor cells, which would be a thing of the past if we can get these have their own HLA profiles, and we markers functioning,” Dr. Rao said. “We would take the recipient’s blood, which may be able to predict the state of the donor organ’s or may not have antibodies, and we pathology very early into the process. It would have them sit together for four hours,” be a heads-up to avoid primary non-function Dr. Rao said. “From there, we can tell and ultimate rejection.” if there is compatibility.” Another project at the lab focuses on Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD “If antibodies present in a patient’s Vice President, Laboratory and Research Operations sensitization and creation of new antibodies. blood are not conducive to a successful trans- Dr. Rao pointed to six genes that appear to fore- Sometimes, the lab makes unlikely transplant, we get a positive cross match,” he said. tell if a patient is likely to develop antibodies plants happen. In the last three years, Dr. Rao “In this case, a negative cross match is what we quickly. The lab would like to take advantage of want, meaning that even if the recipient has said, his lab has been able to facilitate about 50 these genes, using the information to inform antibodies, the transplant can happen with transplants of highly sensitized people, who transplant surgeons if a patient has a higher minimal risk.” were likely sensitized through blood transfu- chance of organ rejection. sions, pregnancies, infections or prior trans- The lab has become so highly sophisticated “If the transplant surgeons know there is a plants. At another lab, where the technology is that it can facilitate a transplant even with a greater chance the patient may be sensitized likely limited, and the expertise not evident, positive cross match. Studying the antibody quickly, they can begin the prevention process these transplants might not have happened. profiles, the team can suggest the right medica- quickly,” Dr. Rao said. “If you do preemptive “But we are not the big heroes in this tion to control the immune response and make desensitization, a kidney patient may get quickly story,” Dr. Rao said. “It is the donors and the it possible for a body to accept the organ. transplanted and not need to be on dialysis.” donor families who have the courage to have their loved ones’ organs and tissue live in some- Groundbreaking Research Dr. Rao said there is enough data to one else. There are not enough words in the Another key component of the lab is support the six-gene program, and he is looking English language to voice our respect for these research, in efforts to make the process more to collaborate with others in the transplant individuals.” efficient and to save more lives. Dr. Rao said his community to make it a standard practice, as Dr. Rao said all information from the lab is lab has reached a landmark moment: applying part of personalized transplant medicine. shared with the United Network for Organ for a patent that will reduce the amount of time “We work in a field of mines that can’t be Sharing (UNOS), the private, non-profit organ- required to do a cross-match. Funding for the removed,” Dr. Rao said. “My team’s job is to ization that manages the U.S. organ transplant research initiative to obtain the preliminary data guide the transplant physician through the system and the online database that collects, for the patent application was provided by the minefield. But when you have an accepted fact stores and analyzes all data pertaining to patient NJ Sharing Network Foundation. that 90 percent or more of the organs will not waiting lists, organ matching and transplants. NJ Sharing Network promises to have its have an identical match, we need to anticipate UNOS makes the determination about where cross-matching completed for kidneys and livers the mines whenever possible to save lives. organs will be sent. within eight hours, but typically has the test “My team is incredible; they guide these The NJ Sharing Network transplant lab results available within 5½ hours. Dr. Rao said folks through an extremely complex field, using also shares the HLA profiles with transplant a procedure being patented shaves another 90 knowledge and expertise to make a successful teams to conduct virtual cross-matches when minutes off cross-matching, adding he believes transplant happen,” he added. “I am extremely time does not allow for full lab analysis. From the lab can ultimately have the results within 3½ proud of what we have built at NJ Sharing information gleaned during the lab’s antibody hours under the new patented procedure. Network.” I

12 EVENT COMMITTEE More photos from the Lenore C. Ford, Co-Chair Donna Albanese-DeMair Barry Newman Lisa Meyers, Co-Chair Alberta D’Addio Peter Rooney Golf & Tennis Classic Alida Sandoval, Elisse E. Glennon Joseph S. Roth can be found at Event Coordinator Philip S. Kolm www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

13 2013 ANNUAL FUND

In Memory of Michael Abt Ms. Kathleen Burt Cheryl and Stephen Gaudette Mrs. Helen Abt Audrey N. Cannon with McKean Mr. and Mrs. David Greenstein In Support of Donna Albanese Defense Group Ms. Michelle A. Kwintner Stuart and Randi Geffner Amy S. Chernela with McKean Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Linderman In Memory of Mervin R. Baxter Defense Group Mr. Matthew Longobardi Mr. Francis J. Cifone Ms. Natalie Lubinsky Ms. Carole Melrose Neil Cohen and Debie Weissbach Mr. Michael P. O’Connor In Memory of Steve Ben’Ary Ms. Suzanne Cole Dino and Janet Robusto Glen and Mimi Brown Mr. Bruce Compton and Ms. Mary Mrs. Janet Robusto Mrs. Mary Brown Anne Hines Mr. Geovanni Rocha J. and In Memory of Brian Bernstein Maureen and William Compton Ms. Ashley M. Schramm Michael A. Giuliano, MD Melissa E. Csontos with McKean Ms. Michelle Shen In Memory of George Bodin Defense Group Ms. Marcy Spiegelman Helen and Arthur Collard Ms. Maria P. De Masi Ms. Cynthia Valentine Mrs. Helen A. Collard Mrs. Eileen M. Duffey Ms. Gina Venticinque From the Ridgewood High Robert H. Fink Family Fund In Memory of Kenneth E. Elslager School Science Department Richard E. Fini with McKean Thomas and Susan Cuozzo Defense Group Cornel and Catherine Diaconu Mr. Walter Elms Richard and Linda Fitch Ms. Alice Fisher Michael and Joan Fasano Taryn Fisher Mr. Andrew A. Gaano Gerry and Pat Geistler Freehold Sting Blue Soccer Team Gregory and Maria Gusetelu Pasquale and Carmela Graziano Eric and Meredith Joseph Joyce Gravina and Jerry Williams S. Kado with McKean Defense Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C. Ms. Elizabeth Karan Certified Public Accountants Dennis and Bette Karoly Group Ms. Pamela Keeting Joe and Arline Lombardi The Sunshine Committee of the In Memory of Andrew Jova Marie Kashammer Ms. Lydia E. Miranda Midland School New York Medical College Ms. Carole A. Kelley William and Judith Propert Dan and Debbie Kitz Mrs. Susan Ormsby-Cuozzo Frank and Carmella Vowinkel In Memory of Lisa LaBella-Kelly Ms. Jean P. Noon Mr. and Mrs. James Petto Mr. and Mrs. James K. Schaefer Mark and Cheryl Lackovic In Memory of Jamie Geib Mr. Robert Bash The Mahoney Family Ms. Phyllis Shaw Ms. Barbara Hutter Dr. Gary Berman In Memory of Robin Bogush Trollbeads United States Anonymous Tom and Ann McCarthy In Memory of Randall Marc Giles Mr. Vinnie Capadanno Kenneth and Wanda McJlvaine Operating Account Ms. Mary Gee In Memory of Michael Braun Robert and Donna Zeoli Anonymous McKean Defense Group In Memory of Robert Goarcke Mario and Kelly LaBella and Family Ms. Mary Cronan The Pew Charitable Trust In Memory of Ryan A. Engelke Mr. Carl J. Goarcke Mario and Sandra Labella In Memory of Evelyn Buddle Bill Rush and Geraldine Pirollo Mr. William Ryan Mr. Cesare Mondello In Memory of Willy Gorbey Mr. Steve Cissell Hank and Ellen Renard In Memory of Giuseppe Esposito Mr. Michael Mondello Ms. Krista Yost Ms. Amy Beth Dambeck Ms. Mariangela Rush Ms. Jennifer Manheim In Memory of Brian Kern Mr. and Mrs. Marty Dambeck In Memory of Virginia Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Sadow In Honor of Matt Felix Mr. Daniel Kern Dr. Michael Dambeck Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sekula Ms. Micaela Acker Nancy and Mark Felix In Memory of Brian Koller Mrs. Suzanne J. Dambeck Marc and Maribeth Sheridan Joseph and Bonnie Braun Mrs. Sharon Kubu Ms. Bernadene Strager In Memory of Michael Storm Fischer Ms. Claire Cerame Ms. Nora Koller Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Petrosini Maurin B. Walchak with McKean The Fischer Family Ms. Cecelia Donovan In Memory of David Kornas Ms. Michele Pianezza Defense Group Charles and Patricia Kerschner Mr. Francis X. Donovan, Jr. David Kornas In Memory of Michael Buro The Wennbergs Marie E. Loeper Mr. and Mrs. Michael Donovan Mrs. Kathleen Kornas Peter and Mary Diehl Jerry Williams and Joyce Gravina The Millers F29 Lighthouse Driverank In Honor of Alice Kramer Mrs. Ronni Leo In Memory of Ronald Conboy Pennsylvania College of Accarrino Ms. Patricia Dimaio Mr. Rich Meyer Ms. Adrienne Compa Technology Ms. Marie R. Hanna In Memory of Lois Kucker In Memory of Joe Busichio In Memory of John C. Consolagio Ms. Nancy L. Smith James and Kathleen Hansen Ms. Amanda Lawless Mrs. Tara De Angelis Andrea and Thomas Smith Ms. Rosemarie Herold Mrs. Irene Consolagio Thomson Reuter Matching Gifts In Memory of Jonathon Kuzminski In Memory of Garrett Buttel Mr. and Mrs. Amir Lauber In Memory of Richard DeFilippis Program Mr. and Mrs. Frank Latoracca Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred A. Lighthouse Bay Recreation Ms. Kathleen G. DeFilippis Lauren and Eric Turgeon Association In Memory of Evan Charles Laible Billinghurst, Jr. In Memory of Frank P. Dell’Aquila, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Catalano Ms. Rosemarie Hampp In Memory of Jenny Forte Ms. Kathleen McConnell MD Mr. and Mrs. James G. Scala Michael and MaryEllen Mehler Mrs. Mae Catalano In Memory of Nicole Caruso Ms. Christine Gagen Mrs. Geraldine A. Dell’Aquila In Memory of Kellyan Freda Middletown Police Dept Records Frank and Evelyn Ross Dr. Frank P. Dell’Aquila Bureau The Laible Family In Memory of Elizabeth Casey Mr. Anthony DeSantis Dominique, Natalia and Elaina In Memory of Judi Melillo-Dethloff Mr. and Mrs. Chris Donnelly Ms. Catherine A. Saproni Ms. Eve Casey Sisters of Saint Joseph Queen of Voitek Mary and Frank Melillo In Memory of James H. Friar Ms. Phyllis Casey In Memory of Robbie Dillon Peace Convent In Memory of Robert Lamont Mr. Stephen Forte Mrs. Jane Derickson-Friar Mrs. Corinne F. Dillon Kenneth and Barbara Tobin Mrs. Linda Burkert Donald Seath James H. Friar Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wack In Memory of Seymour DipkIn Linda and Roger Burkert Ms. Trisha Seath In Memory of Gary Gallagher In Memory of Justin Grant Ms. Michelle L. Dudas and Rita D. Solimene Debby and Elliott Bardavid Ms. Dianne Conley Ms. Bonnie L. Horner Mrs. Debbie Prince Mr. Brian McCarthy Ronald and Betty Spilman In Memory of Antonio Gasparro Ms. Cynthia L. Galager Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Vitovitch Mitchel and Debbie Prince In Memory of Christopher Ms. Terri B. Berlin Ms. Donna L. Marsh In Honor of Walter Cockcroft In Memory of William M. Donnelly Hendershot Mr. Siddharth Dand Distributed Technical Svcs, Ms. Jane Pratt Mr. and Mrs. John Hilpert Ms. Linda Ialacci Mr. and Mrs. Robert D’Angelo Mrs. Carol Spisak Joseph and Dorothy Kerr In Memory of Brian Dotson Rutgers University Libraries Thomas and Tiffany Fields Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Hitchner In Memory of Holly Beth Larsen In Memory of Kenneth Cohen Pat and Jack Dotson and Family In Memory of Jane Hillier Ms. Patricia Breen Angus and Mary Stuart Gephart In Memory of Brandon Dowler James and Eva Hughes Mr. George Hillier Ms. Alyssa N. D’Addio In Memory of David William Ms. Robynne Adoff Mr. Michael Keeter Mary Ann and John Daudt Compton Ms. Cindy Bornstein Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kurivchack In Memory of Louise and Tom Mrs. Carol Erickson Ms. A. Sandra Abramson Ms. Jillian E. Casamo Ms. Denise Patrick Hoffman Neil and Carol Erickson Lisa and Rodney Bayard Family and Friends of Brandon John and Christine Pinnero Ms. Louise Murray Ms. Margaret Fallon Mr. Daniel C. Bigelow Dowler Steven and Frances Swink In Memory of Thomas S. Iozia Ms. Palma M. Genovese Elaine and Alan Braslow Ms. Christina Ferrentino Ms. Abbe Szanger Mr. and Mrs. William E. Merson, III Ms. Nancy Greenblatt Honoring those who gave, paying tribute to those who received, offering hope to those who continue to wait, and remembering those lives lost while waiting for

14 FALL 2013 We graciously acknowledge gifts made to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation’s Annual Fund, January 1 – June 30, 2013 Individual gifts made through our fundraising events are acknowledged online throughout the year. We sincerely regret any errors or omissions.

James and Margaret Holt In Memory of Madeline “Maddie” In Honor of Joseph S. Roth Ann and Alfred Rose In Memory of James Traister Basil and Jane Kio Midwinter Alan and Gaye Feinberg Dr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Verdesca Mr. Steven Alwine Mr. Bart Krusman and Ms. Michele Bornstein Frank Garcia In Memory of Ryan J. Sprusansky Dr. and Mrs. Todd J. Cooperman Ms. Trisha J. Krusman Ms. Stephanie Carlson Ms. Kimberly Hanna Ms. Kathleen DeFilippis and Family Ms. Lori Fleming Ms. Ruth Larsen Eleanor and Richard Haugh Mr. Frederick Hepper In Support Of Elizabeth Stamler Ms. Irene Nordskog Mr. and Mrs. Peter Leone Mr. Kalle Houseman Sandy and Arleen Lipsman NYSE Euronext In Memory of Hedwig Tucker Ms. Mary E. McGlynn Bev and Fred Koblentz Anonymous Ms. Anna H. Yanuklis Mr. Arthur Mortensen Mr. Thomas Sloan Ms. Elizabeth Lovejoy Mr. and Mrs. Steven Roth In Honor of Barbara Turci Ms. Ann Marie Napoolitan In Memory of Carol Sue Steadman In Memory of Maryann Montano Dr. and Mrs. Jay Sklower Mercer County School Nurses Mr. John L. O’Meally Ms. Helen Van Ness Mr. Bruce Areman Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Longo Ms. Deborah Bello Association Ms. Christine Pomeranz Mrs. Terry Longo Dr. and Mrs. Herman Waldman Mr. David Rankert Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cafone In Honor of UMDNJ Liver Trans- In Memory of Nicos Savva Ms. RoseMarie Rossi In Honor of Ben Nachsin Louis and Linda Coppa plant Support Group Ms. Janet Sharlun Mr. Jonas Nachsin Ms. Barbara Uriarte Spyros and Athena Michael and Camellia Nazmy Beverly Solochek In Memory of Terence Neilan In Memory of Kimberly Marie Demetropoulos In Memory of Kelly Vasile Ms. Arlene Trunzo Mr. and Mrs. James G. Scala Schaffran Mrs. Alicia deTorres Ms. Barbara Ochs Josephine Vargas In Memory of Miklos Nemeth Mr. Emanuel Asmar Mr. and Mrs. William R. Fair In Memory of Michael Voltolina Dr. Daniel Wilhoft Mr. Thomas McConnell Mrs. Susan Carboni Mr. Michael Ginder Mrs. Cheryl Press Mr. John P. Wolff Ms. Nicole Colombino Mrs. Benay Irwin In Memory of Betsy Niles Rotuba Extruders,InC Mrs. Artemis Kinzer In Memory of Lenny Watson, Jr. In Memory of Rebecca “Becky” Mr. Nicholas Ascheim Mrs. Lydia Watson Larsen Ms. Frances Franco Eric and Artemis Kinzer ExxonMobil Foundation Mrs. Elise Goldbat Kathryn Miller In Memory of Leonard Watson, Sr. Ms. Patricia Breen Sarnowski Family Foundation Ms. Palma M. Genovese Mr. and Mrs. David Healy Mr. Robert W. Montgomery Mrs. Lydia Watson Mr. Bart Krusman and In Memory of Shaun T. O'Brien Mr. Steven Hirsh Mrs. Kathleen Nagurka In Memory of Benjamin Wittich Ms. Trisha J. Krusman The Durand Family Ms. Susan Largman Mr. and Mrs. Christian Saunders Ms. Dawn Miles Ms. Janet Sharlun The Kuczmarski Family Ms. Anna Lascurain Mr. Raymond Stowell In Honor of Marcia Wolf In Honor of Harris Leventhal In Memory of Thomas “Tommy” Mr. Kenneth L. MacRitchie Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Richard Engman Dr. Rachel Leventhal-Weiner O’Neill Mr. James J. Maglione In Memory of Carol Sue Steadman In Memory of Sylvia Wolfe Ms. Janet Mahoney In Memory of Chuck Levy Mr. Larry Cohen TAG Worldwide USAInc Neil and Gale Barnett Larry and Judy Cohen Ms. Angela McWilliams Frank and Cathy Hardalo Mrs. Julie Trunley Emmett and Annette Gumm Foundation, Inc. Mr. Ralph Murat Mr. and Mrs. Ron Zier In Memory of Velma Landers Lindsey Ms. Janice Kirschwing Mr. and Mrs. Bob McCarthy National Metal Finishings Corp., Inc. In Memory of Sue Stern Ms. Elaine Kissil Ms. Alice Osur Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nestler Angela Zappia Mr. Jeffrey Isaacs United South County Democratic In Honor of Mark Lubeck Mrs. Sally E. O’Neill In Memory of Danielle Schrenk In Memory of Robert Topchik Club Bob and Robin Rabinowitz Tom P. O’Neill A.G. Development and Marine, Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Fischer In Memory of Lee Michael Zerman In Memory of Dr. Robert Mandell In Memory of Jeff Orr LLC. Joseph and Lori Roth Mr. David A. Zerman Mrs. Susan Mandell Mrs. Virginia Orr Frank and Jennifer Cinelli Oppenheim Plastics Company,Inc In Support of E. Denise Peoples Mrs. Jennifer Cinelli In Memory of Mark J. Marrocco Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Plotkin Ms. Donna M. Doremus Mr. Edward S. Pericoloso In Memory of Lucille Pepe Blanche and Paula Ellis Ironclad Services, Inc. Get Involved and Make In Honor of Laura Marrolli Ms. Anna Alicea Burlington County School Nurse CA Technologies Matching Gifts Jeresy Shore Recycling LLC Assoc. Program Carol Jones, o/b/o LAPO Mr. and Mrs. Rene Laureyns a Life-Saving Difference In Memory of Arturo Marrufo Ms. Deborah Collins Mills Heating and Mrs. Anne Cohen Ms. Gloria Corcione You can help support our life-saving Mrs. Beth Crimmins Air Conditioning LLC Anne and Barry Cohen Ocean Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Ms. Ellen Essig Ms. Louise Rozaieski mission. Please consider the following: Precision Auto and Motorcycle Joseph and Debra Fleming Deborah Collins and Salvatore Service • Participate in our annual 5K Walk/Race and Annual Golf Classic Robert and Margaret Helm Staiano Ms. Samantha Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Adam Yenish Mr. Robert Stanley • Become a Certified Volunteer Ambassador Mrs. Cathy Staszczyk George and Trudy Mazin In Memory of Roberto DeJesus • Purchase an ‘Organ Donors Save Lives’ license plate at your In Memory of Conor Scott Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Pelchovitz Perez local Motor Vehicle Agency Dr. Jordan Pelchovitz DDS Ms. Frances D. Guardascione Mrs. Karen Parnham Ms. Nancy Polow and Mr. and Mrs. Max Lado In Memory of Susan Sher • Register to become an organ and tissue donor at Ms. Lisa Gross In Memory of Jerri Rand Ms. Amanda N. Abramo www.NJSharingNetwork.org Michael and Lillian Rothenhaus Mr. Jules Rand In Memory of Gerard Sigtermans • Enroll in an employee payroll contribution program and Mrs. Brett Stern Ms. Susan L. McGovern T.J. Martell Foundation In Memory of Dr. Fortunata designate the NJ Sharing Network Foundation as your Mr. Arthur Strauss Ms. Heidi Witschi Raniero charity of choice Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Summer, Jr. In Memory of Roseann McClure Mr. and Mrs. James G. Scala In Memory of Sharon Slipek • Request a matching gift form from your employer Mr. Kevin Mulqueen In Honor of William Reitsma New York Life Insurance Company Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey Dr. Deborah D. Fisch • Remember us in your will with a bequest In Memory of Clyde McCouch In Memory of Maria Rey de In Memory of Jo Anne Smith • Host a fundraising event on behalf of the NJ Sharing Bob and Jayne Sharpless Ambros Mrs. Phyllis Crump Network Foundation John and Carolyn Cureton In Memory of Stanley McGinley Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ambros • Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to the NJ Sharing In Memory of Anthony Rizzo Ms. Dorothy Flynn Ms. Theresa M. McGinley Naomi and Owen Hinds Network Foundation by visiting www.NJSharingNetwork.org Anonymous In Memory of Keith McLaughlin Ms. Arlene Inglis or by mailing your gift to NJ Sharing Network Foundation, Mrs. Mary P. McLaughlin In Memory of Robert Roettger Mrs. Claire Kissil 691 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974 In Memory of Michael “Mick” Ms. Carol A. Roettger Claire and Don Kissil Meritz In Memory of Arlene Rosenfeld Ms. Virginia M. Lyttle For more information on the above, please call or email Pam Alliance Bernstein Mrs. Camille Marino Ms. Dorothea McDonough DeLuca at 908-516-5696 or [email protected]. Mr. Christopher LaFontaine Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Marino Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Myers Honoring those who gave, paying tribute to those who received, offering hope to those who continue to wait, and remembering those lives lost while waiting for the gift of life. www.NJSharingNetwork.org 15 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

NJ Sharing Network is a member of Community Health Charities of NJ www.NJSharingNetwork.org

WHO WE ARE NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 5,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation, and is part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the more than 120,000 people on waiting lists.

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

Day in the Life – Katie Strusiak

Katie Strusiak with key hospital contacts for case debriefings or to hospitals, such as Jersey Shore University Medical is quick to smile review hospital data ensuring best practices are in Center in Neptune, where a garden adorned with the when asked about place. From there, she may be called to a hospital names of donors was established. her typical day as a where a donation is underway, serving as a familiar, Strusiak says her work with NJ Sharing Network hospital services comforting face and ensuring a smooth process. is not a job, but a lifetime mission to connect people manager for NJ “Less than one percent of the people who die in with life-saving organs and tissue. Her journey began Sharing Network. hospitals can become organ donors,” Strusiak says. “My Sept. 12, 2007, when she received a call at college Since she joined the organization as one of seven job is to ensure that physicians and nurses are keenly that there was a potential match for her father, hospital services managers led by Jan Hines in May, aware of the rarity of this gift. If they don’t call us, a Michael, who then underwent a kidney and pancreas 2012, Strusiak says, no two days have been alike. She family may miss the opportunity to donate. My job, day services 15 hospitals in Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer in and day out, is to ensure they make the call.” transplant. counties, where she spends her days meeting with Strusiak also looks for ways in which hospitals His donor was 19-year-old Kristen. “I was so physicians, nurses and staﬀ, educating them about the can honor donor families, such as hosting remem- eager to be part of NJ Sharing Network so I can spend importance of organ and tissue donation. brance ceremonies or having hospitals raise “Donate every day of my life telling the story of Kristen and how One morning she may be making a presentation Life” flags when someone has donated an organ. she saved my father’s life,” Strusiak said. “She has to physicians before driving to various hospitals to meet She also helps with special programs at individual changed me forever.”

Join the conversation about the power of donation!

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