Author: Joseph Yaccarino

(New Providence, NJ) – According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN), over 22,000 Hispanic individuals are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. In 2023, Hispanic Americans made up about 15% of all organ donors in the U.S. This number is steadily growing, though it still falls short compared to the need among Hispanic patients.

As the nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), NJ Sharing Network proudly honors the vital contributions of Hispanic Americans, not only in enriching our communities but in supporting the lifesaving mission of organ and tissue donation.

“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and honor the generosity of local Hispanic organ and tissue donors and their families, who said ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of others,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “Their lifesaving impact is truly inspiring, but we must also use this opportunity to address the critical need for more individuals from this diverse community to register as organ and tissue donors. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation about donation continue to be major barriers, preventing some from joining the organ and tissue donor registry. By raising awareness and sharing local stories of hope, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that more lives are saved.”

Common myths and misinformation, such as believing that doctors will not work as hard to save the lives of registered organ and tissue donors or that organ and tissue donation is against religious beliefs, have contributed to a lower registration rate within the Hispanic community. Donate Life America, NJ Sharing Network, and organ procurement organizations throughout the U.S. lead year-round initiatives to educate and raise awareness among Hispanics about the safety, importance, and lifesaving potential of organ and tissue donation, as well as the fact that all major religions in the U.S. support donation and/or consider it the greatest gift a person can give.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. The opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare – not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate after they pass away. In fact, only 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for organ donation. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

A Caring Spirit Lives On – Julian Rosado of Bayonne

Julian Rosado, 31, of Bayonne always brought smiles to the faces of his family, friends, and co-workers. He had a unique ability to make others feel comfortable – especially during difficult times when they needed support.

“He was like a ray of sunshine,” said Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother. “He was quirky and funny, and always had a positive spirit and energy. He especially loved his daughters, Julianna and Cheyenne.”

As a young boy, Julian was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Despite struggling in school and sports activities, Julian worked hard to earn a degree and became a successful, OSHA-certified plumber.

In March 2021, Julian married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple looked forward to a bright future together and planned to buy a new home. Just three months later, an unthinkable tragedy occurred when Julian passed away following an accidental fall.

“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle,” said Mary Jane. “We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way.”

While the family continues to miss Julian, they are proud that his caring legacy lives on as an organ donor. Julian’s gifts saved the lives of three people.

“Now he is like a sunflower, who spreads seeds so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave others the gift of life,” said Mary Jane.

Forever a Hero – Freddy Diaz Villa of Englewood

The family, friends and coworkers of Freddy Diaz Villa of Englewood, NJ, all knew whenever they saw him, they would be greeted with his warm smile and usually a great big hug. While he loved music, cooking and basketball, his greatest joy in life came from helping others. On January 25, 2022, Freddy, a special young man, passed away at the age of 23.

“He was my life, and we are all in pain every day since he has been gone,” said Lucy Villa, Freddy’s mother. “We will remember him for being someone who thought about what others needed before what he needed in life.”

Freddy’s donated organs saved the lives of seven people. His liver saved a 6-month-old boy and a 35-year-old woman. His kidneys saved two boys, ages 9 and 16. His lungs saved two men, ages 63 and 77. His heart saved a 52-year-old man.

Lucy recalls the countless times that Freddy would actively lend a helping hand to others. During his teenage years, Freddy spent his after-school hours at the medical office building where his mother worked as the Office Administrator. This healthcare environment furthered his passion for supporting those in need.

“Even the cleaning services team loved Freddy,” said Lucy. “He would always take half of his breakfast and share it with them. He would tell me it was his way of showing them that he cared.”

During Freddy’s final days in the hospital, Lucy and her family struggled with the decision on whether to donate his organs and tissue. Ultimately, Lucy realized that Freddy would want to give the gift of life as his final act of compassion to others.

“I had a dream about Freddy, and a feeling came over me that he wanted to give to others now that his time was done here on Earth,” said Lucy. “I am glad that I followed that feeling. I know it would make Freddy happy to know that he helped others.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Julian Rosado (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
2. Freddy Villa (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(Lafayette, NJ) – Hangin’ By A Thread recently hosted a special event that brought together knitters and crocheters from throughout our area to support NJ Sharing Network’s Wrapped in Love program, which provides handmade shawls and lap blankets to the families of deceased organ and tissue donors as a tangible expression of comfort and compassion.

“It was touching to see our community come together to create something so meaningful for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. These shawls and blankets are symbols of love and comfort that connect us all,” said Amanda Langner Hurewitz, owner of Hangin’ By A Thread. “NJ Sharing Network holds a special place in my heart due to a personal connection – my husband will eventually need a heart transplant due to his noncompaction cardiomyopathy. This journey has deepened my appreciation for the incredible work NJ Sharing Network does in saving and enhancing lives and offering hope to families like mine.”

Kelly Bonventre, Assistant Director of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, applauded the efforts of those who offered their time and talent to support the Wrapped in Love program. “We are grateful to Amanda and the wonderful volunteers for their dedication and support. Their compassionate efforts will provide some much-needed comfort to donor families during difficult times. It is inspiring to witness the community’s outpouring of love and support of our lifesaving mission,” said Bonventre.

Hangin’ By A Thread (located at The Shoppes At Lafayette, 75 NJ-15, Lafayette, NJ) will also serve as a drop-off location for future Wrapped in Love contributions, providing a continued opportunity for the community to support NJ Sharing Network and its efforts to care for the families of organ and tissue donors. For more information about NJ Sharing Network’s Wrapped in Love program, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/wrapped-in-love/.

PHOTO CAPTION #1: Amanda Langner Hurewitz, owner of Hangin’ By A Thread (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2: Participants at Hangin’ By A Thread’s Wrapped in Love event proudly show off some of their handmade shawls and lap blankets (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Messages from Donor Families

NJ Sharing Network received the following messages from local families of deceased organ donors who received Wrapped in Love shawls and blankets:

• “I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful blanket that was made with love. I lost my son who became an organ donor, and NJ Sharing Network was so kind to me. I am a different person now. My heart is broken, but I try to continue one day at a time because this is what my son would have wanted me to do. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and thinking of me.”

• “I wish there were more kind and thoughtful people out in the world like you. I will wear this beautiful shawl like if it was a big hug.”

On August 24, hundreds of local residents enjoyed a beautiful day at Vailsburg Park in Newark, NJ, during NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy and Move community event. Attendees of all ages enjoyed great music, health screenings, fitness programs and games while learning about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. NJ Sharing Network also distributed school supplies to K-12 students through its ‘Back-to-School Drive.’

NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, works throughout the year with community partners and grassroots organizations to improve the health and wellness of residents. NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move free community events offer a full day of family fun, focusing on physical and mental fitness.

Newark resident E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, is a double-lung transplant recipient who coordinates Live Healthy & Move events and promotes NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations and community associations. She understands the importance of raising awareness about the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

“Live Healthy & Move is just one of the ways our NJ Sharing Network team gives back and expresses our gratitude to our local communities. It is a wonderful opportunity for NJ Sharing Network’s team members, volunteers, and supporters to connect with local residents in our diverse communities throughout the Garden State. We were thrilled to bring this popular family event to Newark thanks to the generous support of our dedicated staff and community partners,” said Peoples.

In addition to NJ Sharing Network, several local organizations were on hand providing information and giveaways, including the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety and Department of Health and Community Wellness, Essex County Sherriff’s Office, Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and University Hospital. NJ Sharing Network also distributed school supplies to students in grades K-12 through its ‘Back-to-School Drive.’

NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move event in Newark took on additional meaning as August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month, a time to honor the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families, while also underscoring the critical need for people from diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and 67% are people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

“Within our communities of color, we have all experienced how health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure have impacted those around us – our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. That is why there is a greater need than ever for transplants among our ethnic minorities,” said Peoples.

To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue for transplant in the Garden State, recently completed a successful Back-to-School Supplies Drive to benefit students in need in Newark and Paterson. The collected supplies, including notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, and more, were generously donated by NJ Sharing Network team members and community partners. The items were then packaged at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters (as shown in the photo) and distributed to K-12 public school students during NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy and Move community events.

“Our NJ Sharing Network team and partners saw an opportunity to come together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of local children by ensuring they have the tools they need for academic success,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “The overwhelming response to our Back-to-School Supplies Drive reflects our team’s dedication to uplifting and empowering the communities we serve.”

On August 10, hundreds of local residents enjoyed a beautiful day at Vera Ames Park in Paterson during NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy and Move community event. Attendees of all ages enjoyed great music, health screenings, fitness programs and games while learning about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. NJ Sharing Network also distributed school supplies to K-12 students through its ‘Back-to-School Drive.’

Born and raised in Paterson, E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, is a double-lung transplant recipient who coordinates Live Healthy & Move events and promotes NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations and community associations. She understands the importance of raising awareness about the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

“Live Healthy & Move is just one of the ways our NJ Sharing Network team gives back and expresses our gratitude to our local communities. It is a wonderful opportunity for NJ Sharing Network’s team members, volunteers, and supporters to connect with local residents in our diverse communities throughout the Garden State. We were thrilled to bring this popular family event back to Paterson thanks to the generous support of our dedicated community partners,” said Peoples.

NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move event in Paterson took on additional meaning as August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month, a time to honor the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families, while also underscoring the critical need for people from diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors. In addition to NJ Sharing Network, several local organizations were on hand providing information and giveaways, including St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson Police Department and Ceasefire Unit, Paterson Fire Department, Green Acre Community Garden, Fidelity Chapter #16, Order of the Eastern Star, Public Housing Authority (PHA), National Diabetes Association, Rutgers Cancer Center, Fitness for Her, Bragg Funeral Home.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and 67% are people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

“Within our communities of color, we have all experienced how health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure have impacted those around us – our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. That is why there is a greater need than ever for transplants among our ethnic minorities,” said Peoples.

NJ Sharing Network’s next Live Healthy & Move event is scheduled for August 24 in Vailsburg Park in Newark. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

(New Providence, NJ) – National Minority Donor Awareness Month, celebrated annually in August, honors the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families. It also highlights the critical need for diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors. NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue, is leading a variety of community awareness activities during this important month. NJSN is sharing the inspirational stories of local organ and tissue donor heroes from multicultural communities to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, with 67% being people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

“Our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners are unstoppable in their efforts to educate and dispel myths about organ and tissue donation in our diverse communities throughout New Jersey. We proudly celebrate and honor our donor heroes and their families who say ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of countless others, giving them more time together, more memories to create and more moments to cherish with loved ones,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network.

E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, is a double-lung transplant recipient and Newark resident who promotes NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations, and community associations. “Within our communities of color, we have all experienced how health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure have impacted those around us – our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors. That is why there is a greater need than ever for transplants among our ethnic minorities,” said Peoples.

During National Minority Donor Awareness Month, NJ Sharing Network’s website (www.NJSharingNetwork.org) and social media platforms will be updated with information on ways to participate in local activities and events. These include the Live Healthy & Move free community events on August 10 in Vera Ames Community Park in Paterson, and on August 24 in Vailsburg Park in Newark. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Forever in Our Hearts – Edward Damirr Ross of Camden, NJ

Edward Damirr Ross, 29, known affectionately as Damirr, had an effervescent energy, charisma, and charm that made others want to be around him.

You could feel his energy when he walked into a room,” said Dana Drummond, his mother. “He didn’t have to say a word – his radiant smile was always memorable. We could always count on him to listen and give the best advice when we needed it most.”

From his earlier days, Damirr had a thirst for knowledge and a love for learning. He excelled academically, earning honors upon graduating from Lenape High School in Medford. “He was an avid reader and was equally dedicated to his physical health and loved to work out,” said Dana.

In recent years, Damirr’s greatest joy was spending time with his two young children, Jace and Jouri.

Tragically, on November 21, 2023, Damirr’s life was cut short unexpectedly. Yet, even in death, his legacy of giving continued through the gift of organ donation. His family made the generous decision to donate his heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, to save the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds in New Jersey, New York, Boston, Florida, and California.

“During that difficult time in the hospital, we knew it was the right thing to do. Damirr would be so proud that he continues to be a star as his legacy lives on,” said Dana.

Dana is also thankful for the care they received from the Cooper University Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network teams.

“They were sincere and compassionate every step of the way. We appreciate everything they did for us. It blew my mind when we learned that less than one percent of people are able to be organ donors. It made us realize just how special Damirr’s gifts would be,” said Dana.

Lars-Kristofer N. Peterson, MD, Emergency Medicine, Cooper University, expressed his gratitude to Dana and all of Damirr’s family members.

“Their generosity and courage in participating in organ donation are testaments to their resiliency and the bright light that Damirr brought to the world. His impact will continue through them and the gifts he made to the organ recipients,” said Dr. Peterson.

A Dayton/South Brunswick Family Touched by Both Donation and Transplantation

Priya Kannusamy of Dayton/South Brunswick, NJ, is one of NJ Sharing Network’s passionate volunteers who proudly shares her remarkable life journey with the hope of registering people as organ and tissue donors. Her story is one filled with resilience and compassion marked by the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. As both the mother of a deceased daughter who became a tissue donor and a living liver donor to her husband, Priya’s story highlights the transformative power of generosity and the mission of NJ Sharing Network.

Priya’s first experience with donation occurred in 2019 when her daughter, Swathi Prabhakar, 19, passed away. Swathi was an extraordinary young girl who faced the challenges of an extremely rare genetic metabolic disorder. Despite the limitations imposed by her condition, she embraced life with joy and touched the hearts of all who knew her.

“Swathi found delight in princess stories, songs, and movies, and her infectious smile was her trademark,” said Priya. “When she passed away, our focus was on the life she lived and what she could pass on to others. I feel extremely grateful that her cornea and brain tissue donations were a way for her to pay it forward. It brings solace to us every day knowing that Swathi’s legacy lives on through the gift of sight for others. Her brain tissue donation is also helping move science forward through important research.”

While grieving the loss of Swathi, Priya’s husband, Venu Prabhakar, began to face critical health concerns related to his chronic liver disease. He was hospitalized several times and put on the liver transplant waiting list. In 2022, Priya stepped up to be living liver donor for a transplant surgery that saved Venu’s life.

“I did not want to see my husband suffer, and I was willing to do anything in my power to make him better,” said Priya.

Today, Priya and Venu are both living life to its fullest. They work, travel, play pickleball, take daily walks together, and spend quality time with their son, Surya Prabhakar.

A Caring Spirit Lives On – Julian Rosado of Bayonne

Julian Rosado, 31, of Bayonne always brought smiles to the faces of his family, friends, and co-workers. He had a unique ability to make others feel comfortable – especially during difficult times when they needed support.

“He was like a ray of sunshine,” said Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother. “He was quirky and funny, and always had a positive spirit and energy. He especially loved his daughters, Julianna and Cheyenne.”

As a young boy, Julian was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Despite struggling in school and sports activities, Julian worked hard to earn a degree and became a successful, OSHA-certified plumber. In March 2021, Julian married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple looked forward to a bright future together and planned to buy a new home. Just three months later, an unthinkable tragedy occurred when Julian passed away following an accidental fall.

“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle,” said Mary Jane. “We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way.”

While the family continues to miss Julian, they are proud that his caring legacy lives on as an organ donor. Julian’s gifts saved the lives of three people.

“Now he is like a sunflower, who spreads seeds so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave others the gift of life,” said Mary Jane.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Edward Damirr Ross with his son, Jace (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
2. Priya Kannusamy with her husband, Venu Prabhakar, her daughter, Swathi Prabhakar, and her son, Surya Prabhakar (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
3. Julian Rosado (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(Elizabeth, NJ) – The Sharing Network Foundation recently made a generous contribution of more than 100 copies of the children’s book, A Gift of Life: A Story About Organ and Tissue Donation, to support the County of Union’s “Inclusive Book Program.”

As part of Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives, the “Inclusive Book Program” provides Union County schools with a diverse selection of books that celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. By offering a range of inclusive literature, the program aims to promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance among students, as well as cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment within local school communities.

“We thank the Sharing Network Foundation and all of our fantastic partners for helping us distribute the first wave of the massive collection of inclusive books that the County has purchased for our public elementary school libraries,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our Board of County Commissioners continues to seek and support programs, services, and initiatives that amplify every voice, ensuring that inclusivity and understanding thrive across Union County. We believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read.”A Gift of Life: A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation, is a touching children’s picture book written by author Rachelle Burk and funded by the Sharing Network Foundation. This special book follows a young boy after the loss of his father and his legacy as a hero through organ and tissue donation. Beautifully illustrated by Benjamin Hummel, a two-time liver transplant recipient, it’s a story of hope, love, and the incredible impact one can make by giving the gift of life. The book is available for purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1C3TJJ6.

PHOTO CAPTION – (left-to-right) Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon; Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation; Joe Leo, Owner of Here’s the Story Bookstore in Union, NJ; Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded; and Daryl Palmieri, Union County Interim Executive County Superintendent helped assist with the distribution of inclusive books for public elementary school libraries in Union County. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of the County of Union)