(New Providence, NJ) — Players, coaches and parents from the BC Cyclones 12U Red baseball team recently visited NJ Sharing Network to learn about the impact of organ and tissue donation and the importance of giving back to others.
The team toured NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, where they saw how the organization coordinates organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Players visited the Transplant Laboratory, where donor and recipient matching supports lifesaving transplants, and the Donation Resource Center, where communications are managed with hospitals and families throughout the donation process. They also viewed the headquarters’ remembrance walls, artwork and donor tributes honoring individuals whose gifts have saved and enhanced lives.
“It was an incredible experience touring the NJ Sharing Network headquarters and seeing firsthand the amazing work that happens behind the scenes to help save and enhance lives,” said Marvin Cruz, Head Coach of the BC Cyclones 12U Red baseball team. “I was truly grateful to have the opportunity to bring the boys and allow them to learn more about the organ and tissue donation process, the mission, and the impact that NJ Sharing Network has on so many lives.”
The visit held special meaning for the DeMayo family of Wayne, NJ. BC Cyclones 12U Red player Luciano DeMayo is the son of Stefania DeMayo, whose heart transplant journey reflects the impact of organ donation.
In 2008, Stefania received a lifesaving heart transplant after being diagnosed with a rare form of cardiomyopathy. Her donor was 14-year-old Sean Clegg, a New Jersey teenager who died following an accident. During their time of unimaginable loss, Sean’s parents, Andrew and Gail Clegg, made the selfless decision to donate his organs, giving others a second chance at life. After receiving Sean’s heart, Stefania reached out to the Clegg family through NJ Sharing Network, beginning a close relationship between the two families.
Following her transplant, Stefania became a mother, welcoming twin daughters Melania and Natalia, and later her son Luciano. Her story reflects the lasting impact of organ donation and the legacy created by donors and their families.
“We were thrilled to welcome the BC Cyclones to NJ Sharing Network and share the message that every person has the power to make a difference,” said Ametra Burton, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, NJ Sharing Network. “Young athletes understand teamwork and supporting one another. We hope this experience showed them that those same qualities — compassion, kindness and selflessness — can also help save lives.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey — are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
The BC Cyclones are a competitive youth travel baseball organization based in Little Ferry, New Jersey, with teams ranging from 7U through 15U+. The organization focuses on player development, leadership and character while competing in youth baseball tournaments and leagues throughout the region. To make a contribution to support the BC Cyclones, visit https://gofund.me/dd76c05d3
“Baseball teaches our players much more than the fundamentals of the game. It teaches teamwork, perseverance and the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Ron Klein, Coach of the BC Cyclones 12U Red baseball team. “Our visit to NJ Sharing Network allowed our players and families to see those values in a different setting and understand how one compassionate decision can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
PHOTO CAPTION – Members of the BC Cyclones 12U Red baseball team during their visit to NJ Sharing Network headquarters. Pictured here: Head Coach Marvin Cruz, Assistant Coach Daniel Slinger, Coaches Ron Klein and Alex Manzo, and players Michael Cruz, Luciano DeMayo, RJ Politz, Gino Prestigiacomo, Humza Parvaz, Dean Klein, and Mason Manzo. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)