Category: Latest News

(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)

(CEDAR GROVE, NJ) – Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on life’s blessings and the people who make them possible. For Jill Szalony, 56, of Cedar Grove, this year’s holiday is especially meaningful as she and her family give thanks for 10 years since her lifesaving heart transplant. What once seemed uncertain is now a decade filled with family milestones, new adventures, and memories she will cherish forever.

On November 1, 2016, Jill received a new heart from an organ donor, giving her a second chance at life after years of battling a rare heart condition that progressed to end-stage heart failure. Today, she is grateful for the experiences she once feared she might never have, including watching her three children grow up, graduate from college, establish careers and pursue their dreams.

“When I received my diagnosis and learned I needed a heart transplant, I wanted so much and had such low expectations,” said Jill. “My doctors, my organ donor, and so many others have allowed me to exceed all of those expectations and live life to its fullest.”

Jill’s heart condition came unexpectedly. In 2006, she began experiencing health issues and was eventually diagnosed with idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive testing and consultations with numerous specialists, doctors were never able to determine the cause of her heart failure. Over the next nine years, her condition progressively worsened until she reached end-stage heart failure in 2015.

The waiting period was filled with fear and uncertainty. Jill, her husband Alex Samuelson, and their three children, Benjamin, Grace and Jesse, leaned on the support of friends, family, their community, and work colleagues. NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for transplantation, also helped the family realize they were not alone.

In the early morning hours of October 30, 2016, Jill received the phone call that would change her life. A heart had become available, and she was instructed to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. After saying goodbye to her children, she and Alex headed to the hospital, where they waited another 24 hours before surgery.

“During the moments before my transplant surgery, we felt this inexplicable connection to my organ donor and her family. There were so many prayers for us, but also for them,” said Jill. “I was strangely confident that all would be well, and I went into surgery excited to wake up and start life anew.”

Following a successful transplant, two surgical nurses came to Jill’s bedside with words she will never forget: “Congratulations, you have a new heart!”

Recovery was a gradual process that required rebuilding both physically and mentally. Jill set small goals and celebrated each improvement, eventually returning to work, taking her first vacation, and rediscovering the activities she once took for granted.

“Post-transplant, there is a transition from being a sick person to being healthy and fully capable of anything. That’s an amazing and transformative process,” said Jill. “Whenever I see something new or have a new adventure, I put my hand over my heart and express gratitude for the opportunities I am receiving. I try to find something beautiful every day in the world around me.”

Today, Jill has a lifetime of memories. She has witnessed all three of her children graduate from high school and college, as well as one complete graduate school. She has watched them begin rewarding careers, including one as a professional musician, another as a social worker, and a third as a development specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

She has also traveled extensively with her family, exploring Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Dubai. Now working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the Glen Ridge Public School system, Jill continues to enjoy cooking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

“Seeing my children grow up and start their careers has been so rewarding,” said Jill. “I have been able to experience weddings, celebrations, family trips, and so many of life’s big and small moments.”

While Jill has yet to learn her donor’s identity or personally thank her family, she continues to feel a deep connection to the woman whose gift made these experiences possible.

“I remember her legacy by living my life to the fullest and having as many adventures as possible,” said Jill. “I take my donor with me wherever I go. She’s a part of all that I do and see.”

Giving back has also become an important part of Jill’s journey. She volunteers with NJ Sharing Network and serves on a Patient Family Advisory Council, where she works to improve the hospital experience for patients and their families.

As Jill and her family gather this Thanksgiving, she hopes her story will remind others that the decision to become an organ and tissue donor can make a lifetime of memories possible for another family.

“While I was registered as an organ and tissue donor, I never once thought I would need a transplant,” said Jill. “Organ and tissue donation is about love, hope, and renewal. It’s about new starts and forever memories.”

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 – Jill Szalony, 56, of Cedar Grove, recently marked the 10^th anniversary of her lifesaving heart transplant. She is grateful for the many family milestones, travels and new experiences made possible by her organ donor’s selfless gift. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Jill Szalony of Cedar Grove shares a special moment with her husband, Alex Samuelson, and their three children, Benjamin, Grace, and Jesse. This Thanksgiving, the family is celebrating 10 years since Jill’s lifesaving heart transplant. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) – Donna and Rich Albanese-DeMair, who help lead their family’s iconic Dairy Queen in Plainfield, recently opened their doors to host a special celebration for Team Liberty, a program of the Sharing Network Foundation that brings together organ and tissue transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. The celebration recognized Team Liberty’s accomplishments at the 2026 Transplant Games of America and the shared connection its members have to organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Donna and Rich share a personal connection to NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Donna is a living kidney donor who donated one of her kidneys to save her mother’s life in 2002. Twenty years later, Rich received a lifesaving heart transplant in May 2022. Together, they have become passionate advocates and longtime supporters of NJ Sharing Network.

“Hosting Team Liberty at our Dairy Queen was such a special experience for us,” said Donna. “They represent the strength, determination, and gratitude that come from being given a second chance at life or having the opportunity to give that gift to someone else.”

This past summer, Team Liberty competed at the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver, Colorado, where the team earned more than 100 medals. Donna earned a silver medal in doubles bowling, while Rich competed in cycling and helped Team Liberty capture a bronze medal in the trivia competition. Together, they also participated in the 5K event and joined fellow transplant recipients and living donors in a Guinness World Record-setting gathering of 966 participants.

Donna and Rich also found a meaningful way to thank NJ Sharing Network staff members for their dedication to the organization’s lifesaving mission. Donna created ice cream cupcakes for staff members and brought the sweet treats to NJ Sharing Network’s Donation Resource Center (DRC) as a gesture of appreciation.

“We wanted to do something special to thank the people who work every day to help make organ and tissue donation possible,” said Donna. “Rich and I know firsthand how much this mission means to so many people and families. NJ Sharing Network’s team does extraordinary work, and we were happy to show them how much they are appreciated.”

Beyond their advocacy for NJ Sharing Network, Donna and Rich are well known throughout the Plainfield community for their family’s longtime commitment to supporting charitable organizations and giving back throughout New Jersey. Rich also continues to honor his heart donor’s legacy through his bicycle contribution program, which has provided more than 5,600 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout New Jersey.

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 Jersey residents – 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 – Members of Team Liberty gather to celebrate at the Dairy Queen in Plainfield. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – NJ Sharing Network team members enjoy sweet treats from the Dairy Queen in Plainfield, shared as a gesture of appreciation for their work and dedication to saving and enhancing lives. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NUTLEY, NJ) – David O’Hara of Nutley, Vice President of Business Intelligence and QAPI at NJ Sharing Network, has received the 2026 Breath of Fresh Air Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing the use of data to support organ and tissue donation. The award was presented at the 2026 Data Summit on the Horizon in Tempe, Arizona, which brought together professionals focused on turning data and analytics into meaningful improvements in organ donation and transplantation.

“Data gives us the opportunity to better understand where we can improve, make more informed decisions, and ultimately help save and enhance more lives,” said O’Hara. “I’m honored to receive this recognition and to work alongside colleagues who are committed to advancing organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Knowing that our work can make a difference for patients and families is what motivates me every day.”

Presented on behalf of the organ procurement organization (OPO) data community, the Breath of Fresh Air Award recognizes a visionary leader who has been instrumental in moving organ donation data forward. The honor highlights the value of collaboration and data-informed strategies in helping OPOs strengthen their operations and improve performance.

At NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue for transplantation in New Jersey, O’Hara oversees business intelligence and quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI). His work helps the organization evaluate performance, identify opportunities for improvement and use information to guide operational decisions that support its mission.

O’Hara has more than 20 years of experience in organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Since joining NJ Sharing Network in 2011, he has drawn on his background in donation operations and analytics to help advance the organization’s work. His professional experience also includes presenting at national meetings and publishing research in microbiology, immunology, and transplantation.

“David’s ability to turn complex data into meaningful insights helps strengthen our work and identify opportunities to make an even greater impact,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “This recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing organ and tissue donation.”

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 an 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 – David O’Hara (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION 2 – The Breath of Fresh Air Award, which recognizes one’s contributions in moving organ donation data forward (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) – As the nation prepares to honor those who have served this Veteran’s Day, Middletown resident Ron Walsh is celebrating a deeply personal milestone: the fifth anniversary of the liver transplant that gave him a second chance at life.

A former Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired PSE&G executive, Walsh has faced serious health challenges throughout his life. Five years after his transplant, he remains grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with the people he loves and honor the organ donor who made that possible.

Walsh is sharing his story as a volunteer for NJ Sharing Network to raise awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation and transplantation while also reflecting on his military service and the journey that brought him to this important milestone.

“Every day is a blessing and a new chance to enjoy life,” said Walsh. “I owe my organ donor and my family so much.”

Walsh’s health issues began years before his transplant. After being diagnosed with diabetes, his health gradually worsened, and a biopsy eventually revealed that he had developed cirrhosis of the liver. In 2019, Walsh received another devastating diagnosis when doctors discovered a cancerous tumor on his liver. Despite medical treatment, his health continued to decline.

“In 2020, I began to get confused, I had slurred speech, and I was basically unable to function,” said Walsh. “My liver was failing.”

Although initially hesitant about undergoing major surgery, Walsh ultimately followed his doctors’ recommendation to be placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant. The months that followed tested his patience and determination. During the summer of 2021, Walsh received six calls to prepare for a possible liver transplant. Each time, the transplant ultimately did not move forward. Then, on August 23, 2021, Walsh received another call. This time, his transplant surgery was officially moving forward.

“Right before surgery, I remember whispering to the doctor, ‘Please do your very best – my wife Jean and I have planned for a long life together,’” said Walsh.

The surgery was a success. Just six days later, Walsh was able to leave the hospital and begin his recovery.

Over the past five years, Walsh has embraced his second chance at life by giving back to veterans and others in his community. He volunteers with the American Legion and the New Jersey Marine Corps League, helping fellow veterans better understand and access benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He also volunteers with Middletown Helps Its Own, which provides food and other services to local residents, and 180 Turning Lives Around, a local organization that supports survivors of domestic abuse.

For Walsh, these efforts are one way to honor the generosity of the person who gave him a new opportunity to live.

“I was told my donor was a woman,” said Walsh. “I believe she must have been an Olympian, because I have more energy now than ever. Since my transplanted organ was donated to me, this is one way I can give back. I help families and women in her honor.”

For Walsh, Veteran’s Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, including 30 months stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

“Once you’re a Marine, you’re always a Marine,” said Walsh. “I fly the American and Marine Corps flags proudly every day, and I’m honored to have served. Despite the challenges I faced with the water issues at Camp Lejeune, my time in the Marine Corps served me well.”

Walsh said his experiences have also strengthened his commitment to help fellow veterans learn about benefits they may be eligible to receive. One such encounter involved an 80-year-old Navy veteran who had served during the Vietnam War and did not realize he might qualify for VA benefits. Walsh helped guide him through the application process and drove him to his intake appointment at a VA center. The veteran ultimately qualified for VA healthcare and received hearing aids that helped restore his confidence.

“I especially feel honored when total strangers ask me about my service,” said Walsh. “The decals on my car have provided many opportunities to speak with other veterans from all branches of the military. We may have never met before, but there is a bond and an esprit de corps. Many of those conversations lead to opportunities for me to tell veterans about benefits they may not even realize are available to them.”

As he celebrates the fifth anniversary of his transplant, Walsh hopes his story will encourage others to consider the powerful impact of registering as an organ and tissue donor.

“My organ donor lives on in me,” said Walsh. “I honor my donor’s memory every day by finding ways to help others. I tell everyone that the easiest way to become a superhero is with the click of a mouse by registering as an organ and tissue donor. You can save a mom, dad, brother, sister, cousin, grandparent – anyone.”

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 Jersey residents – 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 – Ron Walsh of Middletown recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of his lifesaving liver transplant, grateful for the organ donor who gave him a second chance at life. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – ARCHIVE PHOTO FROM 1975: Ron Walsh proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Middletown resident and former Marine Sergeant recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of his lifesaving liver transplant. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #3 – Ron Walsh and his wife, Jean Marie Cadorette, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of Ron’s lifesaving liver transplant and the gift of more time together. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(HOBOKEN, NJ) — In 2012, when he was just 15 years old, Brian Mansfield was struggling with a rare eye infection that left him in severe pain and unable to tolerate sunlight. Today, at 30, the Hoboken resident has built a successful career in accounting and finance and shares his experience as a corneal transplant recipient and NJ Sharing Network volunteer to help others understand the impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

“I know how fortunate I am to have received a corneal transplant, and I never take that for granted,” said Mansfield. “I’m happy to share my story because I want people to understand the difference donation can make in someone’s life. Knowing that someone else’s gift gave me the opportunity to see clearly and move forward with my life is something I will always be grateful for.”

Mansfield, who grew up in New Providence, developed Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare infection that damaged his cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye. For months, he endured severe pain and extreme sensitivity to light, spending much of his time in his parents’ basement with the windows covered. After months of treatment, he underwent a corneal transplant on Dec. 11, 2012, at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Harkness Eye Institute.

Recovery took time, but Mansfield gradually regained his ability to read, spend time outdoors and resume everyday activities. During his illness, he worked hard to keep up with school, completing his high school junior-year curriculum in a shortened period with support from teachers and tutors. He went on to graduate from New Providence High School and the University of Richmond and earn his CPA certification before pursuing a career in accounting and finance.

“After spending so many months in pain and avoiding light, being able to step outside in the sun again was incredible,” Mansfield recalled. “It gave me a new appreciation for the everyday things many people take for granted. Being able to enjoy those simple moments with my family and friends reminded me how much of life I had been missing.”

Mansfield’s connection with NJ Sharing Network began while he was still in high school, when he received a scholarship from the organization. About six months after his transplant, he also began participating in NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF-sanctioned race. Through his involvement, he has met fellow transplant recipients and donor families whose stories have deepened his appreciation for the generosity behind donation.

“Meeting donor families and hearing their stories made a lasting impression on me,” said Mansfield. “Even in the midst of tremendous loss, they found meaning in knowing their loved ones had helped others. Their stories have stayed with me, and I’m grateful that sharing my own experience has encouraged many of my friends to register as donors, too.”

November is Eye Donation Month, which raises awareness about corneal donation and transplantation, honoring the gift of sight given by selfless donors and their families, celebrating corneal transplant recipients, educating about eye donation, and encouraging individuals to register as donors.

According to Eversight, a nonprofit eye bank that partners with NJ Sharing Network to serve eye donors in the state, a cornea transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donated tissue. Corneal transplantation is a well-established procedure that can successfully restore or improve vision for many patients.  Anyone may be eligible to donate their corneas regardless of age or medical condition.  If corneal tissue is not transplantable, the donation can, with authorization, be considered a gift for education and research involving glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other sight disorders. These studies advance the knowledge of causes and effects of blinding eye conditions and lead to new treatments and cures.

For more information, or to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO CAPTION #1 – 2026: Hoboken resident Brian Mansfield, who received a corneal transplant when he was a teenager, shares his story to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2 – 2026: Brian Mansfield, a corneal transplant recipient and NJ Sharing Network volunteer, helps raise awareness about the impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #3 – Archive photo (2014): Brian Mansfield accepted a scholarship from NJ Sharing Network while he was a student at New Providence High School. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network).

(CAMDEN, NJ) – Family and friends of organ, eye, and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski of Southampton, NJ, recently gathered at Cooper Norcross University Hospital, which hosted a special tribute honoring Vincent’s life and legacy, for the unveiling of a floragraph memorial portrait that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2027. The event brought together Vincent’s loved ones and representatives of Cooper Norcross and NJ Sharing Network to honor his life and the lives saved and enhanced through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

For the past 24 years, OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float has been the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people around the world with the powerful message of organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. This year’s float will feature dozens of memorial floragraphs honoring organ, eye, and tissue donors from throughout the United States. Each floragraph replicates a photograph using flowers, seeds, and other organic materials. The Sharing Network Foundation proudly sponsored Vincent’s floragraph and his family’s upcoming trip to the 2027 Rose Parade, with MTF Biologics and Eversight partnering with the Foundation for the floragraph unveiling ceremony.

Vincent, affectionately known as “Vinny Pie,” was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Vincent was just 14 when he died in June 2024 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, one day after graduating from eighth grade. As an organ, eye, and tissue donor, Vincent gave generously to others, saving and enhancing lives through his many gifts.

Born prematurely weighing just 2 pounds, 1 ounce, Vincent was a fighter from the very beginning. He grew into a strong, determined young man with a great sense of humor and an unmistakable sense of who he was.

Vincent loved football and lacrosse and dreamed of playing both sports in high school. Away from the field, he enjoyed spending time with friends, going to the beach and visiting Six Flags. A true “people person,” Vincent could strike up a conversation with anyone. His family remembers how he made others feel special, while his teachers admired his thoughtfulness and insights beyond his years.

Family was at the center of Vincent’s life. He was the cherished son of Michael and Melinda Pieczynski. He shared a special bond with his older brother, Michael “Mikey,” whom he deeply loved and looked up to. Vincent also adored his big sister, Devin, whom he called “Sis.” He also treasured being an uncle to her daughter, Olivia.

Vincent and his mother shared an especially close relationship. They often told each other, “Mommy and Vinny never leave each other,” and she remembers him as her biggest cheerleader. His family found comfort in knowing that his gifts would help others, sharing the heartfelt sentiment that “Vinny’s heart will beat on.”

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, eye, and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO CAPTION #1

Family, friends, and loves ones of organ, eye, and tissue donor Vincent Felix Pieczynski of Southampton, NJ, recently gathered at Cooper Norcross University Hospital for the unveiling of a floragraph tribute to Vincent that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. Pictured at the floragraph tribute are:

(Left-to-right) Anne Nicola, Manager of Hospital Development, NJ Sharing Network; Salina Wydo, MD, FACS, Trauma Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Cooper University Health Care / Cooper Norcross University Hospital; Amy Young, Director of Community and Family Services, NJ Sharing Network; Melinda Pieczynski; Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation; Carolyn Welsh, President and CEO, NJ Sharing Network; and Paul Jova, Board Member, Sharing Network Foundation.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #2

Melinda Pieczynski, mother of organ and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski, holds a floragraph tribute of her son that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO CAPTION #3

The floragraph memorial portrait of organ and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – Employees of Clyde Paul Agency, Inc., with headquarters in Summit, recently volunteered at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence to support its Wrapped in Love program. They packaged handmade shawls and lap blankets and added personalized messages for families of deceased organ and tissue donors.

The effort held special meaning for agency owner Lisa Harrington Hamm, whose father was a donor. His legacy inspired her to involve her team in NJ Sharing Network’s mission.

“Having experienced organ and tissue donation through my own family, I understand how deeply it can affect those left behind,” said Harrington Hamm. “I wanted our team to take part in something that reflects the generosity of donors and gives us a chance to make a meaningful contribution to our community.”

Ametra Burton, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network, highlighted the importance of community members who volunteer their time to support donor families.

“When businesses encourage their employees to get involved, they help bring our mission to life in meaningful ways,” said Burton. “We are grateful to the Clyde Paul Agency, Inc. team for sharing their time and helping us extend a message of compassion to families who have experienced loss.”

Founded in 1962 by Clyde Paul, the family-owned independent agency has grown from its Bergen County roots into a statewide operation led by President Lisa Harrington Hamm. The agency provides personal and commercial insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.

NJ Sharing Network welcomes volunteers of all skill levels to participate in Wrapped in Love. Community members can help by knitting or crocheting shawls and lap blankets or assisting with packaging, personalization, and delivery. To learn more about individual and group volunteer opportunities at NJ Sharing Network, contact Ametra Burton at ABurton@njsharingnetwork.org.

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 an 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 – Employees of Clyde Paul Agency, Inc.’s Summit and New Providence locations joined forces at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence to support organ and tissue donor families through the Wrapped in Love program. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network recently hosted its 2026 Faith Leader Summit, United in Purpose – Stronger in Faith, bringing together faith leaders from diverse religions to strengthen community partnerships and explore the relationship between faith and organ and tissue donation.

When considering important decisions about life and death, many people turn to faith leaders for spiritual guidance and insight into their religion’s perspective. Virtually all major religions worldwide view organ and tissue donation favorably, recognizing it as an expression of compassion and generosity.

“Bringing faith leaders together helps build a stronger foundation for partnerships that extend well beyond a single event,” said E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network and a double-lung transplant recipient. “Their connections within their congregations and communities can help carry the message of organ and tissue donation forward, reaching people from all walks of life and inspiring a spirit of generosity that can help save and enhance more lives.”

Held ahead of National Donor Sabbath in November, NJ Sharing Network’s 2026 Faith Leader Summit reinforced the value of continued engagement with faith communities across New Jersey.

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 an 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 at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO CAPTION – Faith leaders and NJ Sharing Network representatives gathered for the organization’s 2026 Faith Leader Summit, United in Purpose – Stronger in Faith. Pictured (L-R) are some of the attendees, including E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network and a double-lung transplant recipient; Bonnie Evans of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens; Christine Williams of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church and a double-lung transplant recipient; Deacon Lawrence J. Duffy of St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson; Sister Prudentia Osuji of Trinitas Regional Medical Center; Janice Campbell of Christ Church USA and mother of organ donor Dr. Jamila Irons-Johnson; Jay Arisso of Today’s Church in Elizabeth; Linwood Bagby of Second Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth; and Joseph Yaccarino, Manager of Community Education and Events at NJ Sharing Network. (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(MILLTOWN, NJ) – More than 12 years after receiving a liver transplant, Milltown resident James “Jim” Condon continues to give back by sharing his story and supporting NJ Sharing Network’s efforts to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

During National Liver Awareness Month in October, Jim hopes his experience will encourage others to take care of their liver health and consider leaving a lasting legacy by registering as organ and tissue donors. According to data from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), nearly 9,000 people nationwide are waiting for a liver transplant.

“My transplant gave me years of life that I came very close to not having, and I never lose sight of that,” said Jim. “I have been able to spend these years giving back through volunteering, enjoying time with my wife, Tara, and caring for our cats, and simply appreciating the everyday moments that can be easy to take for granted. Sharing my story through NJ Sharing Network gives me an opportunity to turn what happened to me into something that may help another person or family.”

Jim’s transplant journey began unexpectedly when, at age 44, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant.

With his wife, Tara, by his side, Jim endured several hospital stays as his liver continued to fail. On March 5, 2014, a donor liver became available, and he underwent transplant surgery at University Hospital in Newark.

At the time of his transplant, Jim was an attorney, lobbyist and adjunct professor at Rutgers University, with a career that also included international development work in the Middle East. In the years following his transplant, he retired and embraced new opportunities to volunteer and give back. In addition to his volunteer work with NJ Sharing Network, he served as President of the Rutgers Club. He and Tara have also made caring for their beloved cats a meaningful part of their lives and have fostered other cats.

A special part of that involvement is “Some Assembly Required,” Jim’s team at NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life. At the team’s first 5K, Jim was still recovering and not healthy enough to walk the course. Instead, he and his supporters sat near the finish line and cheered for participants as they passed. In the years since, Jim, Tara, family members, and friends have returned to walk together, rain or shine, alongside transplant recipients, donor families, and supporters.

“Our Some Assembly Required team started with a little humor during a very difficult time, but over the years it has come to mean much more to us,” said Jim. “Being able to come back year after year and walk with Tara, our family and friends is something I could not have imagined. Every 5K reminds me that behind every organ transplant is a donor, a family and a story that deserves to be remembered.”

Jim’s experience also inspired Tara to chronicle their journey in Some Assembly Required: A True Story of Love and Organ Transplants, which tells their story of illness, transplantation, recovery, and hope.

National Liver Awareness Month calls attention to an organ that performs more than 500 vital functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, supporting digestion, managing blood clotting, and storing energy. According to the American Liver Foundation, an estimated 100 million Americans are living with some form of liver disease, and many are unaware of their condition because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed.

Health experts encourage people to understand their risk factors and speak with their healthcare providers about liver health, prevention, and early detection. Many liver diseases can be prevented or, particularly in their earlier stages, improved through healthy lifestyle changes and appropriate medical care.

For Jim, those statistics carry added meaning because he knows firsthand what it means to need a transplant.

“When I was at my sickest, my future was measured in days rather than years. Then someone I never knew made a generous decision that changed everything for me,” said Jim. “More than 12 years later, I am still here, living a full life and incredibly thankful for my organ donor and donor family. If telling my story helps someone think about their liver health, understand organ and tissue donation or make the decision to register as a donor, then I am grateful for the opportunity to share it.”

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 – James Condon of Milltown, NJ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2 – Tara and James Condon of Milltown, NJ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)