Happy Donor Day!

Get involved and share the love!  

Observed annually on February 14th, National Donor Day is dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ and tissue donation. National Donor Day is also a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.

Ways to get involved!

In addition to registering as an organ and tissue donor, you can also get involved by downloading and sharing National Donor Day graphics! Here is sample text to post on your social media page along with our images.
  • February 14 is National Donor Day!  Share the love by registering today as an organ and tissue donor at NJSharingNetwork.org/Register 💙💚
  • The heart symbolizes a love capable of giving the ultimate gift — the gift of life. In celebration of National Donor Day, register today as an organ and tissue donor at NJSharingNetwork.org/Register 💙💚
Social Media Graphics (right-click and choose Save As to download) Printable Flyer   Valentine's Day Card

The Ultimate Valentine: The Gift of a Heart 

Ronald Trout, Heart Transplant Recipient

Born and raised in Long Branch, NJ, Ronald Trout, 65, is also celebrating a significant milestone on February 14 as it marks the 7-year anniversary of his lifeaving heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). Ronald’s journey highlights the importance of organ and tissue donation and the powerful impact it has had on his life.

“When I wake up each day, I immediately give a special heartfelt thanks to my heart donor and his family and the amazing team at NBI for giving me a second chance to live life to its fullest and enjoy more time with my family and friends,” said Ronald. Those who know Ronald enjoy his easy-going, peaceful nature. Despite his critical health concerns over the years, Ronald always makes it a priority to connect with his loved ones and joyfully reflect on life through writing music and poetry. Unfortunately, in 2012, Ronald experienced a serious heart attack that nearly ended his life. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery and a pacemaker was inserted. In 2018, as his health continued to deteriorate Ronald was added to the heart transplant waiting list. “I was losing hope, but I had a dream where a beautiful voice said, ‘It’s not your time to go yet, Ronnie. I want you to keep hanging in there.’ Those words helped give me the strength to keep going,” said Ronald. Shortly after his dream, Ronald received ‘the call’ from NBI that a donated heart was ready for him. Perhaps poetically, Ronald’s successful heart transplant was performed on February 14, 2019 - National Donor Day and Valentine’s Day. Since his transplant, Ronald has been passionate about advocating for NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. He shares his story with others to encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors. He also gives hope to those waiting for the gift of life by sharing some thoughts expressed in his poems, including: “It’s best to laugh, but okay to cry” and “Chant, pray, sing the night away. Whatever helps you through to another day.”