(NEWARK, NJ) – Twenty years ago, E. Denise Peoples received a second chance at life. On October 2, 2006, E. Denise received a lifesaving double lung transplant after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease that made it increasingly difficult for her to breathe. Today, the Newark resident is living a vibrant and active life while using her personal experience to help others understand the extraordinary impact of organ and tissue donation.
As E. Denise prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of her transplant, her milestone comes during National Healthy Lung Month, which raises awareness about lung health and the importance of protecting our lungs. For E. Denise, October is also a time to remember the organ donor whose selfless gift made her new life possible. It is also a time to reflect on the two decades of memories she has been able to make with her family and loved ones – moments that would not have been possible without her transplant.
“I would not be here without my organ donor. I would not enjoy life and the quality of life that I had lost because I was sick,” said E. Denise. “The gift of life is the greatest gift, and I never take for granted that someone made a decision that gave me the opportunity to live.”
A Journey That Changed Her Life
Originally from Paterson and now a longtime Newark resident, E. Denise was diagnosed with IPF in the early 2000s, despite never having smoked and having no family history of the disease. As her illness progressed, everyday activities became increasingly difficult. Breathing, something most people never have to think about, became a constant challenge.
Then came October 2, 2006. E. Denise received a double lung transplant that would change the course of her life forever.
“It gave me a great quality of life,” said E. Denise. “I got that back, and maybe better than ever. I was able to do things I had missed and experience life in a completely different way.”
Among those experiences was returning to something that had always been important to E. Denise: singing. After her transplant, she was able to sing again at her church and eventually share her voice at community events, including performing the National Anthem at NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life and other large public gatherings.
“To be able to sing again was an incredible feeling,” said E. Denise. “I remember that I had been given back something I thought I might never have again. Now, when I sing, I think about how precious every breath is.”
The experience also inspired E. Denise to help others understand the gift that made her new life possible. Her advocacy began with NJ Sharing Network as a volunteer in 2007. She later joined the organization professionally and today serves as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, developing and leading outreach programs that educate students, healthcare professionals, faith-based organizations, community groups, and residents across New Jersey about organ and tissue donation.
“Because of my own transplant, I can share a unique perspective,” said E. Denise. “I know what it feels like to be waiting, and I know what it means when someone says ‘yes’ to donation. That experience is at the heart of why I do this work.”
Honoring the Donor by Giving Back
For E. Denise, advocacy is deeply personal. She has shared her transplant journey through countless television, radio, and online interviews, as well as community presentations and outreach events. She also helps lead NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move neighborhood events, which connect families with free health screenings, fitness activities, healthy-living information, and local resources.
Her community outreach also extends beyond NJ Sharing Network. E. Denise recently participated in the 133rd Annual Imperial Convention of the Prince Hall Shriners, where she joined Noble Thomas R. Hughes Sr., 47th Imperial Potentate, and other attendees in discussing the importance of organ and tissue donation. As part of the partnership, representatives from the organization’s Temples and Courts will be trained as volunteers with their local organ procurement organizations to bring donation education to their communities.
Her message is simple: conversations about organ and tissue donation begin with trust.
“Sharing our lifesaving message is all about making connections and building trust in our communities,” said E. Denise. “We need to be visible, we need to listen, and we need to meet people where they are. When people feel heard and respected, they are more open to having an honest conversation.”
E. Denise is especially passionate about reaching communities where questions and misconceptions about donation may prevent people from having conversations about becoming donors.
“Many people of color have a strong distrust for the medical community,” said E. Denise. “It often feels like we are behind the eight ball when we begin conversations about donation. But we keep showing up. We answer questions, we listen and we plant seeds. That is how trust begins.”
For E. Denise, that work is one way she can honor the donor who gave her the opportunity to experience another chapter of life.
“I am so grateful for my donor and my donor family,” said E. Denise. “There are no words that can fully express what their decision means to me. Every birthday, every holiday, every time I stand up and sing, I know that I am here because someone gave me a chance.”
Living the Life She Was Given
Today, E. Denise embraces the life her transplant made possible. In addition to her work with NJ Sharing Network, she is a nationally recognized speaker, wellness advocate, and healthy cooking coach. Through her work with Prep2Live and Mae’s Plate, she promotes healthy living, community connection, and access to resources for underserved communities.
Twenty years after her transplant, E. Denise continues to make the most of the opportunities her donor made possible – from serving her community and advocating for donation to singing at her church and raising her voice at events throughout New Jersey. Most importantly, she has been able to share 20 more years of life with her family, creating memories and being present for the people who mean the most to her.
For E. Denise, October 2 is more than the anniversary of a medical procedure. It is a milestone that reminds her how much life has given her over the past two decades – and how grateful she is to have shared so much of it with her family.
“I never want to forget that journey,” said E. Denise. “It brought me to this place. It brought me to do what I’m doing now. Twenty years later, I am still here, and I am grateful for every day.”
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), more than 100,000 Americans – including more than 3,000 New Jerseyans – are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO 1 – E. Denise Peoples (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO 2 – E. Denise Peoples presenting to meeting attendees at the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO 3 – E. Denise Peoples singing the National Anthem at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life in New Providence, NJ. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO 4 – E. Denise Peoples prior to her double-lung transplant in October 2006. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)