(NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.) – Just a few years ago, Lodi resident Chris Carrales wasn’t sure if he would survive. Today, he is celebrating life one step at a time.
Carrales recently completed NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life USATF-sanctioned race in New Providence, joining thousands of organ donor families, transplant recipients, living donors, and volunteers who walk and run to celebrate the power of organ and tissue donation. The event, which was presented by MTF Biologics, is one of New Jersey’s largest and most recognized charitable 5K events.
For Carrales, crossing the finish line represented far more than completing his second 5K. It was another milestone in an extraordinary journey made possible by the generosity of one organ donor and the expertise of the transplant team at New York-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
After complications from a previous liver transplant led to a rare and life-threatening condition known as portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT), Carrales faced overwhelming odds. His condition ultimately caused multiple organ failure, leaving him critically ill and in need of an exceptionally rare multivisceral transplant.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Carrales received six lifesaving organs — a liver, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and kidney — from one selfless organ donor. The complex transplant gave him a second chance at life and marked one of the nation’s rare multivisceral transplant procedures.
Today, Carrales continues to regain his strength while embracing everyday moments with his wife, Jessica, and the family and friends who supported him throughout his journey. Participating in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life allowed him to celebrate how far he has come while honoring the donor whose generosity made his recovery possible.
“I’ll never be able to fully express my gratitude to my donor and their family,” said Carrales. “Because of one selfless decision, I have the opportunity to keep living my life and making memories with the people I love. Running the 5K is my way of honoring that incredible gift and showing others what’s possible through organ donation.”
Carrales hopes sharing his story will encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors and inspire hope for those currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
“There are thousands of people waiting for the phone call that can change their lives,” he said. “I’m living proof that organ donation works. Every step I took during the 5K was possible because someone chose to give the gift of life.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans—including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents—are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Chris Carrales celebrates completing NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life. (Photo Credits: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)