During this time, two New Jersey families are coming together to raise awareness and honor a remarkable bond — one that began with tragedy but continues through the gift of life.

In 2017, Caitlin Nelson, a vibrant 20-year-old, passed away. In the days that followed, an outpouring of love and support surrounded the Nelson family, as many came together to honor Caitlin’s life and the extraordinary person, she was.

Through organ and tissue donation — a decision she had openly shared with her family — Caitlin’s legacy lives on through Brick resident Sonia Carlen, who celebrated the 9th anniversary of her double-lung transplant on April 4.

Together, Sonia and Caitlin’s family share their story to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors.

A Life of Compassion and a Lasting Legacy

Caitlin was known for her kindness, energy, and commitment to helping others. She was studying social work and dreamed of becoming a pediatric oncology social worker. She dedicated much of her time to service through her church, school, and community. A highlight of this work was her time at Sister Pat’s Kids Camp, where she supported children with cancer and related blood disorders. She also served as a counselor at Camp Sea Stars North, a program dedicated to supporting children from the Newtown and Sandy Hook communities following the 2012 elementary school tragedy. That compassion extended to her strong belief in organ and tissue donation.

“She had told me that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted to donate her organs. She’d say, ‘you can’t take them with you’ and someone else could use them to live on,” said Rosanne Nelson, Caitlin’s mother. “That was who she was — always thinking of others, even in unimaginable circumstances.”

Following her passing, Caitlin’s final act of generosity saved and enhanced the lives of dozens. Through organ donation, she gave the gift of life by donating her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. She also donated many bone and tissue grafts.

“Knowing Caitlin’s wish to donate her organs and tissue to help others brings us comfort,” said Rosanne. “Even in our darkest moment, Caitlin gave others hope.”

“My Prayers Were Answered”

At the same time, Sonia Carlen was fighting for her life. In 2015, at just 27 years old, Sonia began experiencing persistent shortness of breath that led to numerous doctor visits before she was ultimately diagnosed with a rare lung disease. Doctors explained that the condition was terminal and gave her a life expectancy of just three to five years.

“To hear that news was devastating,” said Sonia. “I was healthy, I never smoked, and suddenly I was being told I only had a few years to live.”

As her condition declined, she required oxygen around the clock and was placed on the lung transplant waiting list.

“I tried to stay positive,” said Sonia. “My husband, family, and friends were always my strength. I held onto hope every single day.”

That hope became reality thanks to a double-lung transplant on April 4, 2017. Her organ donor was Caitlin.

“I call Caitlin my hero and my angel,” said Sonia. “Because of her generosity and compassion for others, I am alive today. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude.”

A Powerful Bond

In the years since, Sonia and Caitlin’s family have formed a meaningful and lasting connection.

“Meeting Caitlin’s family was one of the most emotional moments of my life,” said Sonia. “They welcomed me with open arms. We share a bond that is incredibly special.”

For Rosanne, seeing Sonia healthy has brought a sense of peace.

“Seeing Sonia live her life is a beautiful reminder of who Caitlin was,” said Rosanne. “It shows us that her spirit and generosity continue to make a difference.”

Inspiring Others During National Donate Life Month

Through their advocacy with NJ Sharing Network, both families are working to raise awareness during Donate Life Month.

“Organ donation gave me a second chance at life,” said Sonia. “I hope our story encourages others to make the selfless decision to give the gift of life.”

Rosanne added, “Registering as an organ and tissue donor is one of the most powerful ways to help others. Caitlin believed that, and we hope others will too.”

As Sonia celebrates her 9-year transplant milestone, their shared story serves as an important reminder: even in loss, one decision can save lives — and create a legacy that lives on forever. 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 – Sonia Carlen, a Brick resident and double-lung transplant recipient, is celebrating the 9th anniversary of her lifesaving transplant during Donate Life Month. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Caitlin Nelson gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire others. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

UNION BEACH, NJ — April is National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.

For Keyport resident Barbara Mielnicki, the message is deeply personal. Her son, Vincent T. Mielnicki, 43, of Union Beach, passed away in September 2022. A registered organ and tissue donor, Vincent gave the ultimate gift of life — saving four people through organ donation and offering hope to many more through tissue donation.

“My son Vincent was full of kindness and always willing to help others,” said Barbara. “It didn’t mater who you were — if someone needed help, he was there. That’s just how he lived his life every day. Knowing he was a registered organ and tissue donor felt like the perfect reflection of who he truly was, because giving and caring for others came so naturally to him.”

A Life Defined by Kindness and Connection

Born in Rahway and raised in Elizabeth, Vincent later made his home in the Bayshore area. He was known for his contagious laughter, quick sense of humor, and his ability to make people feel seen and valued. He was an avid New York Jets fan, loved music, and cherished spending time with his three daughters — Isabella, Olyvia, and Ameliana. He also enjoyed fishing with his brother Kevin and taking trips to the park with his sister Jessica and her children, Juliana, Jake, and Jackson.

“Vincent loved being a dad,” said Barbara. “He wanted to be with his girls all the time — taking them out, making memories, doing whatever made them smile. He was so proud of them, and everything he did was for his family.”

A Legacy That Saved Lives

Through organ donation, Vincent’s generosity gave four individuals a second chance at life:

• His heart was transplanted into a 57-year-old man

•His liver was transplanted into a 61-year-old man

• His right kidney was transplanted into a 64-year-old woman

• His left kidney was transplanted into a 77-year-old man

“Even in our loss, knowing that Vincent saved lives brings us comfort,” said Barbara. “As a mother, nothing can take away that pain, but to know that part of him is still living on and helping others — that means everything. It’s who he was, and it’s a reminder that his kindness didn’t end the day he passed away.”

In addition to saving lives, Vincent’s tissue donations also contributed to medical research — helping doctors and scientists beter understand disease and improve treatments, with the potential to save even more lives in the future.

Honoring Vincent’s Memory

Barbara continues to honor her son’s life in deeply personal ways. In her home, Barbara has created a special space dedicated to Vincent, filled with meaningful items that keep his presence close. Among them is a custom keepsake bear that holds and plays a recording of Vincent’s heartbeat. She also wears a necklace engraved with Vincent’s image, keeping him close to her heart wherever she goes. Barbara also cherishes a handmade “Wrapped in Love” blanket created by NJ Sharing Network volunteers during her time of loss.

“I miss my son more than words can say, but I hold onto the love, the memories, and the impact he made,” said Barbara. “If Vincent’s story can help even one person say ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation, then something beautiful can come from our loss. No family ever wants to go through this, but knowing his legacy is helping others live on is a comfort we hold onto every day.”

Community members are encouraged to honor the legacy of Vincent and all donor heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors. To learn more and register as a donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO CAPTION #1 – Vincent T. Mielnicki (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Barbara Mielnicki honors the memory of her son, Vincent T. Mielnicki (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #3 – Barbara Mielnicki has a custom keepsake bear that holds and plays a recording of her late son Vincent’s heartbeat (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

For New Milford resident Christine Baldino, Donate Life Month carries deeply personal meaning. In January 2024, Christine’s brother, Ronald Baldino of Fort Lee, passed away unexpectedly. A registered organ and tissue donor, Ron’s final act reflected the generous spirit that defined his life. Through organ and tissue donation, his gifts helped save and enhance the lives of others.

“My brother was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said Christine. “Of course, it made sense that he was a registered organ and tissue donor. That was just who he was – always caring for others.”

Ron was a devoted husband to his wife, Denise, and a proud father to their daughter, Ronni. Family was at the center of his world. He loved carnivals, concerts, shopping trips and spontaneous adventures with his family. As an independent handyman, he built a reputation for being able to fix just about anything. Many admired his craftsmanship, but it was his warmth and enthusiasm that truly set him apart.

In the hours and days after Ron was hospitalized, Christine remained at his bedside, navigating unimaginable grief while witnessing firsthand the compassion of the Holy Name Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network team members.

“The care, the tenderness, and the patience they showed our family was extraordinary. They carried me through the most painful time of my life,” said Christine.

Turning Grief into Something Beautiful

Just days before Ron’s passing, Christine — a textile and mosaic artist for more than 40 years — had begun working on a hand-cut mosaic garden scene. What started as a creative project soon became something far more meaningful.

“I didn’t understand at the time why I felt such urgency to begin the garden piece. It wasn’t planned, it just felt important,” said Christine. “After Ron passed, I began to see the garden differently. It became a place where I could hold my grief and honor his life at the same time.”

The finished piece, now called Ron’s Garden, features a winding pathway leading through arches into a peaceful garden landscape. For Christine, the pathway symbolizes hope, restoration, and eternal life.

“Something meaningful can spring from loss,” said Christine. “One life can continue to bring healing to many others through organ and tissue donation. My brother’s legacy lives on in the people he helped. That brings me peace.”

The original Ron’s Garden mosaic now resides at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, where it serves as a tribute to Ron’s legacy and to all organ and tissue donors.

A Leap of Faith Inspired by Loss

Ron’s passing also changed the trajectory of Christine’s own life. In December 2024, she made the courageous decision to leave her longtime career in the textile industry and pursue art full time. Today, Christine creates mosaics, paintings, digital artwork, and commissioned legacy portraits.

A Message to the Community

As Donate Life Month is observed across New Jersey this April, Christine hopes her brother’s story inspires others to register as organ and tissue donors and to talk openly with their families about their decision.

“Creating Ron’s Garden reminded me that even in loss, God can grow something meaningful,” said Christine. “My hope is that this piece continues to bring comfort and awareness for years to come. If sharing his story helps even one family find comfort or encourages one person to register as an organ and tissue donor, then his life continues in an even bigger way.”

Community members are encouraged to honor the legacy of all donor heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors. To learn more and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

To view the Ron’s Garden Special Print Edition and learn more about Christine’s work, visit her shop at
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4460981664/rons-garden-sharing-network-event. Each print purchased during the six-month event window helps support the Sharing
Network Foundation while continuing Ron’s legacy of generosity.

PHOTO CAPTION #1 – Ronald Baldino and his sister Christine Baldino (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – (Bottom Right) Ronald Baldino with his wife Denise LeBrun and their daughter Ronni Baldino (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #3 – Ron’s Garden, a hand-cut mosaic scene created by Christine Baldino of Christine Baldino Art (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Nine years ago, Gary received a lifesaving kidney transplant after his kidney function declined due to Alport syndrome, a hereditary condition that affects kidney health. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait years on the transplant list thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a friend — Shawn Hoppe of Riverdale.

Today, Gary continues to live an active life with his wife, Carolyn, celebrating both his transplant anniversary and the special bond he shares with Shawn.

“Shawn is an amazing person,” said Gary. “She never wavered through the entire process. She simply wanted to do something good for someone else, and because of that, I’m here today living a full life.”

A Friendship Forged Through Running

Gary and Shawn first met through Team in Training, a program that raises funds for blood cancer research through endurance events. Gary had become involved with the organization following the heartbreaking loss of his son, Mathew, who passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 18 in 2005.

In the years that followed, Gary channeled his grief into advocacy and fundraising, completing numerous marathons and raising more than $230,000 for the Blood Cancer United’s Team in Training. He established the moto “We must never quit!”—a rallying cry that
participants now chant before every session to honor the fight and to never quit until there’s a cure. He also served as a running coach, inspiring many participants — including Shawn.

“When Gary shared that he needed a kidney, I didn’t know much about living donation. But he was already doing so many incredible things to help others, and I thought, ‘If I can help give him more years to keep doing that, why not?’” said Shawn.

After learning she was a compatible donor, Shawn decided to reveal the news in a memorable way. The two were traveling to Washington, D.C. with teammates to run the Marine Corps Marathon when Shawn handed Gary what looked like a birthday card. Inside was a message that changed everything.

“I told him on the train that I was a match and that he could have my kidney,” said Shawn. “Everyone from our team was there, and it was a really special moment.”

Shawn ran her first marathon that weekend with Gary by her side. The successful transplant took place in March 2017, giving Gary the second chance at life he needed.

Back on the Road — and Still Running

During recovery, Gary remained determined to return to the activity he loves. Just seven months after his transplant, he completed his first marathon post-surgery. Since then, Gary has gone on to finish 20 marathons with his transplanted kidney.

“I started walking laps in the hospital the day after surgery,” said Gary. “Running has always been part of my life, and getting back to it was a huge milestone for me.”

Today, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife Carolyn and visits his daughter Meghan and her family in the United Kingdom frequently— including his two young grandsons.

For Shawn, the experience of living kidney donation was far less daunting than many people might expect. Now 49, Shawn works for a pharmaceutical company and enjoys traveling, attending concerts and baseball games with her husband Jason. The couple is even working toward a fun goal — visiting all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums together.

“The surgery went smoothly, and I forget sometimes that I only have one kidney. I’ve been perfectly healthy,” said Shawn.

A Bond That Continues

While the transplant happened nearly a decade ago, the connection between Gary and Shawn remains strong. Every month, Gary sends Shawn a message celebrating the milestone they share.

“He writes to me every month on the 28th and says, ‘Happy kidney-versary,’” said Shawn with a laugh. “We’re over 100 months now. He hasn’t missed one.”

Both Gary and Shawn now advocate for NJ Sharing Network and hope their story encourages others to learn more about living dona􀀁on and the power of registering as an organ and tissue donor.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One deceased organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.

National Donate Life Month, observed each April, raises awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation, honors the generosity of donors, and celebrates the lives they save. NJ Sharing Network leads community initiatives and shares inspiring stories of families touched by donation. For more information, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/DLM.

PHOTO CAPTION #1 – Gary Kawka (left) and Shawn Hoppe prepare for kidney transplant surgery in March 2017. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Shawn Hoppe (left) and Gary Kawka get set to participate in a running event. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)