(NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.) – Just a few years ago, Lodi resident Chris Carrales wasn’t sure if he would survive. Today, he is celebrating life one step at a time.
Carrales recently completed NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life USATF-sanctioned race in New Providence, joining thousands of organ donor families, transplant recipients, living donors, and volunteers who walk and run to celebrate the power of organ and tissue donation. The event, which was presented by MTF Biologics, is one of New Jersey’s largest and most recognized charitable 5K events.
For Carrales, crossing the finish line represented far more than completing his second 5K. It was another milestone in an extraordinary journey made possible by the generosity of one organ donor and the expertise of the transplant team at New York-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
After complications from a previous liver transplant led to a rare and life-threatening condition known as portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT), Carrales faced overwhelming odds. His condition ultimately caused multiple organ failure, leaving him critically ill and in need of an exceptionally rare multivisceral transplant.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Carrales received six lifesaving organs — a liver, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and kidney — from one selfless organ donor. The complex transplant gave him a second chance at life and marked one of the nation’s rare multivisceral transplant procedures.
Today, Carrales continues to regain his strength while embracing everyday moments with his wife, Jessica, and the family and friends who supported him throughout his journey. Participating in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life allowed him to celebrate how far he has come while honoring the donor whose generosity made his recovery possible.
“I’ll never be able to fully express my gratitude to my donor and their family,” said Carrales. “Because of one selfless decision, I have the opportunity to keep living my life and making memories with the people I love. Running the 5K is my way of honoring that incredible gift and showing others what’s possible through organ donation.”
Carrales hopes sharing his story will encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors and inspire hope for those currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
“There are thousands of people waiting for the phone call that can change their lives,” he said. “I’m living proof that organ donation works. Every step I took during the 5K was possible because someone chose to give the gift of life.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans—including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents—are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Chris Carrales celebrates completing NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life. (Photo Credits: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
(DENVER, CO) – Wayne resident Jean Sime and Livingston resident Patricia “Pat” Milford celebrated a remarkable milestone while representing Team Liberty at the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver, Colorado, commemorating the seventh anniversary of the lifesaving kidney transplant that forever changed both of their lives.
The biennial Transplant Games brought together thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters from all 50 states and several countries for a week of athletic competition, camaraderie, and celebration. Participants competed in more than 20 events including basketball, track and field, swimming, pickleball, bowling, cornhole, and trivia. This year’s Games also set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients, with 966 participants assembled in one place.
Sime and Milford represented Team Liberty, a program of the Sharing Network Foundation that includes participants from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. The pair competed in bowling, team trivia, darts and Texas Hold ‘Em. Sime also competed in cornhole.
Their amazing connection began seven years ago when Milford, a longtime nurse at Mountainside Medical Center, volunteered to become a living kidney donor for someone she had never met. That someone was Sime, who had spent years battling chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis while waiting for a transplant. What began as a selfless act of generosity has since grown into a lifelong friendship the two women often describe as a sisterhood.
“Celebrating our transplant anniversary at the Transplant Games made the experience even more unforgettable,” said Sime. “Looking around, I saw thousands of people who have all been given another chance at life through organ donation. Being there together with Pat, my living kidney donor, was a precious gift. Many transplant recipients never know who their donor is, while others may know them, but don’t have the opportunity to share life experiences and celebrate milestones together. I will never take this gift for granted.”
For Milford, the anniversary was equally emotional.
“Seven years have gone by so quickly, and seeing Jean healthy, active, and enjoying life is the greatest gift I could ever receive,” said Milford. “Being together at the Transplant Games reminded us how one act of kindness can ripple through so many lives. I hope our story encourages more people to learn about living donation and deceased organ and tissue donation because you truly have the power to save the lives of others.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Learn more or register as a donor at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO #1: Livingston resident Patricia “Pat” Milford (left) and Wayne resident Jean Sime (right) help set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipient during the 2026 Transplant Games of America. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #2: Wayne resident Jean Sime (left) and Livingston resident Patricia “Pat” Milford (right) get set to compete in the bowling competition at the 2026 Transplant Games of America. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #3: Wayne resident Jean Sime (left) and Livingston resident Patricia “Pat” Milford (right) celebrate their friendship and transplant bond at the 2026 Transplant Games of America. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
(NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.) –Thousands gathered in New Providence on June 7 for NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF-sanctioned race, presented by MTF Biologics. The event, which is one of New Jersey’s largest and most recognized charitable 5K events, brought together organ and tissue donor families, transplant recipients, living donors, and volunteers united by a shared commitment to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. Funds raised will support the Sharing Network Foundation’s efforts to advance clinical innovation, provide family support, and expand public education and awareness programs.
Family members and friends of the late Gene Patrick Coppola Jr., 21, of Bayonne, NJ, walked together as part of “Team Gene Strong” to honor his memory and help raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.
Gene passed away in May 2022 following a tragic motorcycle accident, just weeks after his 21st birthday. A Bayonne native, Gene was building a future as a carpenter with Local 253 and had a passion for working with his hands, helping friends and family, and being someone others could count on.
Gene’s mother, Christina Fabiano, said her son’s decision to register as an organ and tissue donor was a reflection of the person he was. Through his selfless decision to be an organ donor, Gene helped save the lives of five people, giving them more time to enjoy cherished moments with their loved ones.
When Gene received his driver’s license with “Organ Donor” highlighted to show he was registered as a donor, he shared his thoughts with his mother in a conversation she will never forget.
“Gene said, ‘If God decides to take me, Mom, why would I let all my organs die and not save people’s lives?’” Christina recalled. “That was who Gene was. He always wanted to make a difference and help others in need.”
Christina hopes that sharing Gene’s story will encourage others to understand the power of organ donation.
“Gene’s life was too short, but his impact continues,” said Christina. “If his story can inspire someone to register as an organ and tissue donor, then his kindness and his gift of life will continue to help others.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans—including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents—are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO #1 – Members of “Team Gene Strong” at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #2 – Gene Patrick Coppola, Jr. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #3 – Gene Patrick Coppola, Jr. and his mother Christina Fabiano (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
(DENVER, CO) – Team Liberty, representing organ transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, earned more than 90 medals at the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver, Colorado.
The group competed in events including basketball, track and field, swimming, pickleball, cornhole, and trivia, joining thousands of participants from all 50 states.
The Transplant Games also set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients, with 966 participants assembled in one place.
Team Liberty is a program of the Sharing Network Foundation. It participates in the biennial Transplant Games and works year-round to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. More information is available at www.GoTeamLiberty.org.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Learn more or register as a donor at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – Six New Jersey high school students were awarded scholarships from the Sharing Network Foundation for their passion and dedication to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The 2026 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.
The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships are made possible thanks to several of the organization’s family and partner funds:
• Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund – created in memory of organ and tissue donor Dan Buckiewicz to encourage students to have conversations about donation with their families and friends.
• Hearts for Emma Partner Fund – created in celebration of Emma Rothman’s lifesaving heart transplant to support high school education and donation advocacy efforts.
• Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund – created in memory of Jim Rhatican, a NJ Sharing Network Volunteer, liver transplant recipient, and retired teacher and coach of 35 years.
• Riley’s Path – created in memory of organ donor Riley Kogen to provide financial assistance to transplant patients in times of crisis and to award scholarships to high school students and advocacy heroes.
The 2026 scholarship awardees are:
• Olivia Huttinot of Englewood, NJ (Dwight Morrow High School) received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Olivia’s connection to organ and tissue donation stems from her personal experience as a kidney transplant recipient. Diagnosed at age four with severe kidney disease, she underwent extensive testing and care before it was confirmed that she required a kidney transplant. In a true act of love, her father became her living kidney donor, undergoing surgery alongside her. Following her transplant, Olivia faced a recovery that included ongoing medical care and a gradual return to school. Despite these challenges, she persevered academically and personally. Olivia reflects on her journey with deep gratitude for her family, her medical team, and the second chance at life she was given. Her experience continues to inspire her perspective and goals for the future. She will be attending St. John’s University in the Fall.
• Victoria Pribish of Old Bridge, NJ (Old Bridge High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Victoria’s perspective on organ and tissue donation was shaped by her father’s lifesaving heart transplant and the journey her family experienced alongside it. Her father, Mathew Pribish, a firefighter with the Linden Fire Department, was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and later developed advanced heart failure. He endured multiple surgeries and complications, including years supported by mechanical heart devices. Victoria witnessed her family navigate the uncertainty of the transplant waiting list and the moment they received the call that a donor heart had become available. A successful transplant gave her father a second chance at life. Following his recovery, he returned to full active duty and now shares his experience to encourage others to register as donors. For Victoria, this experience strengthened her sense of gratitude and shaped her commitment to service and resilience. She will be attending Monmouth University in the Fall.
• Leyla Rolon of South Plainfield, NJ (South Plainfield High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Leyla formed her perspective on organ and tissue donation through her father’s need for a kidney transplant and her family’s experience navigating the transplant waiting list. When no immediate match became available, her family received life-changing news: her mother matched as a living donor and chose to donate her kidney to her husband. That decision saved his life and deeply shaped Leyla’s understanding of sacrifice, love, and living donation. She witnessed her parents move through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery, and she developed a lasting appreciation for how donation brings hope to families. Leyla now shares her family’s story to encourage donor registration and raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. She will be attending Seton Hall University in the Fall.
• Olivia Teta of Manasquan, NJ (Wall High School) received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. Olivia built her interest in organ and tissue donation advocacy through her goal of becoming a nurse and her involvement in her school’s Donate Life Club. As she learned more about transplantation, she recognized the impact of donation, including the role living donors play in saving patients on the transplant waiting list. She took on a leadership role in the club and served as Vice President of its Executive Board, where she coordinated educational programming, school-wide awareness campaigns, and outreach initiatives such as a club t-shirt design, a rock garden display, and Donate Life Month activities. She also helped develop a promotional video highlighting the club’s mission. Olivia plans to study nursing at Monmouth University in the Fall.
• Jessica Theobald of Verona, NJ (Verona High School) received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. Jessica’s commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy developed through multiple family experiences and early exposure to healthcare. Her mother’s career as a nurse introduced Jessica to the importance of donation at a young age. Her grandfather also donated his corneas after his passing, further shaping her understanding of the gift of donation. Jessica later supported a loved one through a lung transplant journey, gaining a deeper perspective on the challenges of the waiting list and transplant process. She also witnessed a family honor their son’s wish to become an organ donor after his passing, reinforcing the importance of donor registration and family conversations. Jessica expanded her commitment to service by joining her local rescue squad as a youth volunteer, where she gained experience in emergency medical services. She also strengthened her leadership and community engagement through volunteer work with The Arc of Essex County and the NJ Elks. Jessica plans to study nursing at Ramapo College of New Jersey in the Fall.
• Grace Trinidad of Teaneck, NJ (Teaneck High School) received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Grace developed her commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy after her mother experienced a sudden, life-threatening illness that led to a lifesaving heart transplant. During her mother’s hospitalization, Grace witnessed the compassion and dedication of the nurses who supported her family, and that inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She credits her mother’s recovery and the generosity of an organ donor and their family with shaping her belief in the importance of donation. Grace volunteers at NJ Sharing Network events, including the 5K Celebration of Life, and participates in educational outreach with her family. She aspires to become a labor and delivery nurse serving underserved communities and will be attending Siena University in the Fall.
The Sharing Network Foundation’s high school scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities, and advocacy for organ and tissue donation. Since the high school scholarship program’s inception in 2011, more than $160,000 has been awarded to 85 dedicated student advocates.
“We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our lifesaving mission,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond.”
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. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
GROUP PHOTO #1:
Recipients of the 2026 Sharing Network Foundation High School Scholarships, alongside representatives from the Sharing Network Foundation and its partner funds, gathered at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence to celebrate their commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PHOTOS:
Olivia Huttinot of Englewood, NJ (Dwight Morrow High School); Victoria Pribish of Old Bridge, NJ (Old Bridge High School); Leyla Rolon of South Plainfield, NJ (South Plainfield High School); Olivia Teta of Wall, NJ (Wall High School); Jessica Theobald of Verona, NJ (Verona High School); Grace Trinidad of Teaneck, NJ (Teaneck High School)
NJ Sharing Network reports more lives saved than ever beforethanks to 283 organ donors in New Jersey who gave the gift of liferesulting in 670 life-saving organ transplants
Carolyn M. Welsh, the new President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, the federally-designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the state, announced the number of organ donors (283) and organs transplanted in a single year (670) reached all-time highs in 2022. These unprecedented totals mark significant increases over the previous records of 233 organ donors and 613 organs transplanted. This also marked the fourth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new records in the number of organ donors, underscoring the clear trend of increased support for organ donation in the Garden State.
“Thanks to the generosity of New Jersey organ donors and their families, more lives were saved last year than ever before – ensuring others now have more time to share special moments with their loved ones,” said Welsh, who began to serve in her new role as President and CEO on January 1, 2023, after holding several leadership positions during her 24-year tenure at NJ Sharing Network. “We are deeply grateful for the exceptional efforts of our team members and healthcare partners. They are amazing people who understand that what we do is much more than a job – it is a unified mission to save lives and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life through the miracle of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Together, we are unstoppable, motivated to take on all challenges, and focused on offering compassionate care and support to donor families during their most difficult times of grief.”
In 2022, the 670 organs transplanted included 350 kidneys (all-time high), 170 livers (all- time high), 71 hearts, 58 lungs, 20 pancreata and one intestine. In addition, 40,000 eye and tissue gifts enhanced the quality of life for those in need. Tissue donations include corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, bone grafts, saphenous veins, ligaments, and tendons. One organ donor can save eight lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of over 75 people.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility locatedin New Brunswick, had 33 organ donors in 2022 resulting in 102 organs transplanted – both are new records for the most ever in a single year by any hospital in New Jersey. The RWJBarnabas Health network of hospitals had 68 organ donors in 2022 resulting in 195 organs transplanted. Cooper University Hospital and Jersey Shore University Medical Center also set records with 26 donors recovered at each hospital placing them tied for second in the most donors recovered at a single hospital in a year. NJ Sharing Network proudly partners with the 57 hospitals in its service area and is thankful for their continued support in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 people in New Jersey are on the organ transplant waiting list. However, Welsh believes the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. Welsh is eager to lead NJ Sharing Network in its bold vision for the future to save and enhance more lives than ever before. This includes achieving a goal of reaching 300 organ donors and 700 transplants in a single year by 2024.
“Less than 1% of people that die in a hospital can be an organ donor. People’s lives depend on us,” said Welsh. “We have developed strategic plans for growth that includes adding talent, resources, and programs to facilitate the donor process, support donor families, and increase our robust multicultural outreach and education efforts.”
Continuing to Connect with NJ’s Diverse Communities
NJ Sharing Network’s compassionate team is making personal connections with more families than ever before within local hospitals to offer the opportunity for their loved ones to become organ donors. Family approaches in 2022 increased by 11% over 2021. These tireless efforts are providing more families of every race and ethnicity the opportunity for donation – a precious gift during a tragic time.
NJ Sharing Network team members and volunteers have also boosted education and outreach efforts in diverse communities throughout the state. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 68% of the New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant are people of color. NJ Sharing Network earned the prestigious NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award in recognition of its #DonationNeedsDiversity awareness initiative, which is credited with building community trust and dispelling misinformation about donation and transplantation in urban, multicultural communities with the most residents waiting for transplant. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey also honored NJ Sharing Network with a “Champion of Diversity” award.
To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Thanks to the generosity of New Jersey organ donors and their families, more lives were saved last year than ever before. The following are personal stories of a local organ and tissue donor hero and a transplant recipient:
STEPHANIE SMITH – Organ and Tissue Donor
On April 4, 2022, the untimely passing of Stephanie Smith, 24, of Jackson, NJ, shattered the hearts of her family and friends. The middle child of seven, Stephanie’s fun-loving spirit and energy always shined through. In addition to her warm personality, loved ones admired her many talents as a certified medical assistant, makeup artist and even an accomplished softball player.
“She was truly one of a kind and lived life to its fullest,” said Donna Smith, Stephanie’s mother. “She found joy in life’s precious moments together with family. Our family members would often call her ‘The Appetizer Queen’ because she loved going out to eat with everyone.”
While Donna and Wayne Smith continue to feel the loss of Stephanie each day, they find some comfort in knowing that a special part of her continues to live on as an organ donor. Stephanie’s donated heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys saved the lives of four women. Her cornea donation also restored sight for another woman.
“I am thankful that I had discussions with Stephanie about organ and tissue donation,” said Donna. “Looking back and now seeing the impact that she made on others, I am happy that we supported her wishes. I believe that organ and tissue donation is something that everyone should discuss with their family.”
Wayne is also grateful for the care and support the family received from the medical team at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the staff of NJ Sharing Network. Wayne recalls the moment when his family followed Stephanie’s wishes to be an organ and tissue donor.
“The hospital staff and the NJ Sharing Network team were phenomenal. No matter what we needed, they provided it,” said Wayne. “After Stephanie passed away, we agreed to move forward with donation and the hands of the clock in her room paused, rotated around, and stopped at that exact time of 5:50 p.m. We knew that was a sign from Stephanie that we were doing the right thing.”
LISA VECCHIONE – Heart Transplant Recipient
For many years, Lisa Vecchione of Springfield, NJ, suffered with shortness of breath and chest pain, but she ignored the signs that it could be a major health concern until she was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in 2004. This serious heart condition became more urgent in the months and years that followed and was compounded by her acute arthritis and two hip replacements.
“I felt so limited in what I could do, and I had to be extra careful throughout the pandemic,” said Lisa. “My husband is fit and active, and I felt like my condition benched him for many years because we could not live life to its fullest.”
Lisa’s strong faith helped provide her strength as she waited for a life-saving heart transplant. “I love the Lord with all my heart, and I prayed for a miracle,” said Lisa.
On June 19, 2022, Lisa’s prayers were answered as she received ‘the call’ that a heart was available for transplant. The following day, her transplant was a success, and she was on the fast track to recovery.
“When I woke up the next day, I had this brand-new gift beating in my chest,” said Lisa. “I remember I could breathe easier and think clearer. I used a walker for one day doing laps around the hospital floor with my therapists and then I was good to go without one.”
With her health and strength restored, Lisa is now staying active and looking ahead to her future. She has also made it a priority to volunteer for NJ Sharing Network and shares her story with others to encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors.
“This gift has given me back to my family and loved ones,” said Lisa. “I am forever grateful to my heart donor and their family.”
In celebration of National Donate Life Month, join us LIVE on Facebook and YouTube on April 5 at 7:00pm for STORIES OF HOPE. Hear inspirational stories of courage and hope from those who have been touched by organ and tissue donation, including donor families, transplant recipients, patients waiting and faith leaders. Bring your questions and be part of the LIVE conversation!
Hosted by NJSN Community Services Specialist and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient, E. Denise Peoples, our evening’s panelists include:
Marcia McGowan – Donor Family Member
Sam Prince – Heart Recipient Pastor Cedric McKoy – Faith Leader and Advocate
Shawn Banks – Currently waiting for a life-saving lung transplant
Anika Bhatnagar – Volunteer Amy Keefe – Manager of Authorization and Family Services, NJ Sharing Network and Donor Family Member
