(GLEN ROCK, NJ) — NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue for transplant in New Jersey, has honored Rosemarie Jones of Glen Rock, Director of Nursing for Critical Care and Inpatient Services at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center, with its Sunflower Award in recognition of her outstanding advocacy and support for its lifesaving mission.
NJ Sharing Network’s Sunflower Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their professional roles while demonstrating compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Rosemarie has earned the trust of patients, families, and colleagues through her compassionate approach to care and her willingness to go the extra mile to support families during some of their most difficult moments.
Rosemarie’s advocacy for organ and tissue donation is deeply personal. Her husband, Griffith Jones, is a Patient Flow Navigator at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center and a double-lung transplant recipient.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me because organ donation is not just something I advocate for professionally — it is something that has touched my family personally,” said Rosemarie. “I have seen firsthand how the gift of donation can transform a family’s life. My husband was given a second chance through a double-lung transplant, and that experience has strengthened my commitment to honoring donors and their families and helping others understand the incredible difference they can make.”
Rosemarie helped organize several initiatives at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center, including a Donate Life flag-raising ceremony, candle-lighting ceremony, and educational rounding sessions. She also helped extend donation awareness into the community, encouraging others to learn more about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.
“Rosemarie brings a level of compassion and commitment that makes a lasting difference for donor families, her colleagues and the patients she serves,” said Caroline Stierle, Hospital Development Specialist at NJ Sharing Network. “She has a genuine ability to make people feel supported during some of their most difficult moments.”
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 NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION 1 – Pictured left to right: Caroline Stierle, Hospital Development Specialist at NJ Sharing Network with Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center’s Katherine Monaco, Hospital Medicine Manager; Griffith Jones, Patient Flow Navigator, (also Rosemarie’s husband, and double lung transplant recipient); Linda Naoum, Assistant ICU Manager; Sunflower Award Honoree Rosemarie Jones, Director of Nursing for Critical Care and Inpatient Services; Stephen Check, Registered Nurse; Ginell Walker-Way, Chief Nursing Officer; Kristina DePuyt, ICU Educator; and Joseph Parrilli, Patient Care Technician. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION 2 – Caroline Stierle, Hospital Development Specialist at NJ Sharing Network and Rosemarie Jones, Director of Nursing for Critical Care and Inpatient Services at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION 3 – Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center’s Griffith Jones, Patient Flow Navigator, and Rosemarie Jones, Director of Nursing for Critical Care and Inpatient Services. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)