(PARAMUS, N.J.) – As families across the nation celebrate Father’s Day, Paramus resident Rajesh Karnani is honoring the memory of his father, Sham C. Karnani, by continuing a mission that was deeply important to him: raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and encouraging families to have lifesaving conversations about their wishes.
Today, Rajesh is an active volunteer for NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. He regularly participates in donor awareness events throughout the Garden State, sharing his family’s story and encouraging others to register as organ and tissue donors.
“Every opportunity I have to share my father’s story is an opportunity to help save and enhance lives,” said Rajesh. “His example continues to inspire me, and I want others to understand the incredible impact one person’s decision to donate can have.”
A Father’s Lasting Gift
Born in India, Sham immigrated to the United States in the 1970s in pursuit of greater opportunities for his family. He built a successful career as a garment importer while becoming known among family, friends and community members for his generosity and compassion. According to Rajesh, his father believed that helping others was one of life’s greatest responsibilities.
“He always taught us that if we are fortunate enough to have a good life, we should do everything possible to help others do the same,” said Rajesh. “Organ and tissue donation was one of the causes he cared about most. He often told our family and friends, ‘We can’t take our organs on our journey to heaven, so why not help others complete their journey here on Earth?”
On March 17, 2010, Sham unexpectedly passed away from heart complications while attending a religious celebration with his wife. Although his death was sudden, his final gift reflected the values he championed throughout his life. Sham’s corneas were donated, restoring sight to two individuals in need.
“Losing my father has been painful, and I still sometimes find myself waiting for him to walk through the door, hear his voice, or see his smile,” said Rajesh. “But knowing that his legacy lives on through the sight he restored for others has brought solace to our family. The gift of vision, of possibility, is a fitting tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to seeing and fulfilling the needs of others.”
Turning Grief Into Purpose
Following his father’s passing, Rajesh made a commitment to carry that message forward. Through his volunteer work with NJ Sharing Network, he speaks about the importance of organ and tissue donation and encourages families to have conversations that can ultimately save lives.
“My father believed one of the biggest barriers to donation is that people don’t tell their loved ones about their wishes. Having that conversation can make all the difference and ultimately save lives,” said Rajesh.
The need for organ and tissue donors remains urgent. 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.
This Father’s Day, community members are encouraged to honor the legacy of all donor heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors and sharing their decision with loved ones. To learn more, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Paramus resident Rajesh Karnani honors the memory of his father, Sham C. Karnani, whose donated corneas restored sight to two individuals following his passing in 2010. Today, Rajesh continues his father’s mission by volunteering with NJ Sharing Network and encouraging others to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)