(Hillsborough, NJ) – As the new year begins and many reflect on milestones and fresh starts, Hillsborough resident Laurie Schulte is marking an extraordinary anniversary — 20 years since receiving a lifesaving liver transplant on January 7, 2006.
“Reaching this milestone has been incredibly emotional,” said Laurie. “When I think about how close I came to losing my life, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the organ donors and their families who gave me the chance to see this new year — and so many others.”
At just 24 years old, Laurie went from being a healthy college graduate starting her career to fighting for her life after Wilson’s Disease caused acute liver failure. Listed as Status 1A — the most critical designation on the transplant waiting list — Laurie was only days away from death when doctors made the urgent decision to proceed with a liver transplant, her only chance to survive.
Her transplant journey, however, did not end there. Years of health challenges eventually led to a second liver transplant six and a half years later. Throughout the uncertainty and recovery, Laurie remained focused on the opportunity she had been given.
“Every single second of the struggle was worth it,” said Laurie. “There is no greater reward than one you must fight hard to achieve – especially when that reward is more life to live with your family and friends.”
Thanks to her organ donors, Laurie has gone on to build a life defined not by illness, but by purpose. She married her husband, became a mother to two children, advanced professionally, traveled, and volunteered with organizations like NJ Sharing Network to help educate others about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
“Organ donation didn’t just save my life — it allowed me to live it fully and honor the gifts I have been given,” said Laurie. “I have been able to cheer on my children at their soccer and basketball games and beam with pride at all their accomplishments. I attended my sisters’ weddings and held my nieces and nephews when they were born. I held my husband’s hand and continued to fall in love with him more each day. I visited my parents at their new home in Florida and created new holiday traditions. I talked to God and my donors on my way into work and found my way back to church on Sundays.”
Today, Laurie also leads an active and healthy lifestyle, embracing fitness and personal growth. Her commitment to fitness has included completing a Tough Mudder race, competing in local powerlifting meets, and running in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life and other community events — activities she never imagined possible during her transplant journey.
“I am so proud to say that I am the healthiest and happiest I have ever been,” said Laurie. “The past 20 years have been the ultimate blessing. I look forward to not only 2026, but 2036, and 2046, and however many more years, thanks to the two organ donor heroes that saved my life.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans – including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans – are currently waiting for 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 a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
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Laurie Schulte of Hillsborough, NJ, celebrates the 20th anniversary of her lifesaving liver transplant. (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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(Pictured third from left) Hillsborough resident and liver transplant recipient Laurie Schulte spends time with her husband, Dan, their children, Mya and Grayson, and their dog, Fredo. (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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Hillsborough resident and liver transplant recipient Laurie Schulte lifts weights during a strength-training workout, part of her ongoing commitment to health and wellness. (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)