Joey’s Little Angels, a nonprofit founded in memory of Joseph Thomas “Joey” Angiolino of Hamilton, has contributed $10,000 to the Sharing Network Foundation in honor of Daniel Haas of West Windsor, a Notre Dame High School graduate whose organ donations saved six lives.
Joseph “Joey” Angiolino was born on April 6, 2009, the second child of James and Nicole Angiolino. At just seven months old, he was diagnosed with Hurler’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disease, and underwent a complex double cord blood transplant. Despite immense health challenges, Joey’s courage and constant smile inspired everyone who knew him. He passed away at 15 months old in July 2010.
In his memory, Joey’s Little Angels was created to support families with children battling serious medical conditions. To date, the organization has raised over $500,000 for pediatric programs and donated more than 55,000 toys to children’s hospitals across the country.
“The secret to living is giving,” said James Angiolino. “Being able to give back is the greatest gift for us and for our kids. Nicole and I try to teach our children — Nicholas, Matthew, and Olivia — that helping others is at the heart of living a meaningful life. Supporting NJ Sharing Network and its mission is especially meaningful because it helps families like ours and honors incredible young people like Danny Haas.”
This gift also pays tribute to Daniel Haas, remembered as a kind and vibrant young man whose passing in August 2024 deeply affected the Notre Dame High School community and beyond. Daniel’s decision to become an organ donor saved six lives, and his family has honored his legacy by establishing a scholarship fund in his name, raising more than $200,000 in its first year. James Angiolino, who serves as Dean of Students at Notre Dame High School, shared a special bond with Daniel. The Angiolino and Haas families remain closely connected through friendship, loss, and a shared advocacy for organ and tissue donation.
“Joey’s Little Angels and the Haas family are powerful examples of how generosity and compassion can create lasting impact,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “Through their support, they not only honor the memories of Joey and Daniel, but they also help save and enhance lives throughout New Jersey. Their advocacy reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, families can transform grief into hope and create a legacy that inspires others to give back.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey. A single organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of more than 75 others. Because fewer than 1% of deaths meet the specific medical criteria for organ donation, raising awareness and encouraging donor registration are essential.
To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. For more information about Joey’s Little Angels, visit www.JoeysLittleAngels.org. For the Sharing Network Foundation, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.PHOTO CAPTION – (left-to-right) James, Olivia, Nicholas, Nicole, and Matthew Angiolino present a $10,000 contribution from Joey’s Little Angels to the Sharing Network Foundation’s Janet Zanetich, Manager, and Amanda Tibok, Executive Director. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network).