(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)

(NEWARK, NJ) – Twenty years ago, E. Denise Peoples received a second chance at life. On October 2, 2006, E. Denise received a lifesaving double lung transplant after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease that made it increasingly difficult for her to breathe. Today, the Newark resident is living a vibrant and active life while using her personal experience to help others understand the extraordinary impact of organ and tissue donation.

As E. Denise prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of her transplant, her milestone comes during National Healthy Lung Month, which raises awareness about lung health and the importance of protecting our lungs. For E. Denise, October is also a time to remember the organ donor whose selfless gift made her new life possible. It is also a time to reflect on the two decades of memories she has been able to make with her family and loved ones – moments that would not have been possible without her transplant.

“I would not be here without my organ donor. I would not enjoy life and the quality of life that I had lost because I was sick,” said E. Denise. “The gift of life is the greatest gift, and I never take for granted that someone made a decision that gave me the opportunity to live.”

A Journey That Changed Her Life

Originally from Paterson and now a longtime Newark resident, E. Denise was diagnosed with IPF in the early 2000s, despite never having smoked and having no family history of the disease. As her illness progressed, everyday activities became increasingly difficult. Breathing, something most people never have to think about, became a constant challenge.

Then came October 2, 2006. E. Denise received a double lung transplant that would change the course of her life forever.

“It gave me a great quality of life,” said E. Denise. “I got that back, and maybe better than ever. I was able to do things I had missed and experience life in a completely different way.”

Among those experiences was returning to something that had always been important to E. Denise: singing. After her transplant, she was able to sing again at her church and eventually share her voice at community events, including performing the National Anthem at NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life and other large public gatherings.

“To be able to sing again was an incredible feeling,” said E. Denise. “I remember that I had been given back something I thought I might never have again. Now, when I sing, I think about how precious every breath is.”

The experience also inspired E. Denise to help others understand the gift that made her new life possible. Her advocacy began with NJ Sharing Network as a volunteer in 2007. She later joined the organization professionally and today serves as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, developing and leading outreach programs that educate students, healthcare professionals, faith-based organizations, community groups, and residents across New Jersey about organ and tissue donation.

“Because of my own transplant, I can share a unique perspective,” said E. Denise. “I know what it feels like to be waiting, and I know what it means when someone says ‘yes’ to donation. That experience is at the heart of why I do this work.”

Honoring the Donor by Giving Back

For E. Denise, advocacy is deeply personal. She has shared her transplant journey through countless television, radio, and online interviews, as well as community presentations and outreach events. She also helps lead NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move neighborhood events, which connect families with free health screenings, fitness activities, healthy-living information, and local resources.

Her community outreach also extends beyond NJ Sharing Network. E. Denise recently participated in the 133rd Annual Imperial Convention of the Prince Hall Shriners, where she joined Noble Thomas R. Hughes Sr., 47th Imperial Potentate, and other attendees in discussing the importance of organ and tissue donation. As part of the partnership, representatives from the organization’s Temples and Courts will be trained as volunteers with their local organ procurement organizations to bring donation education to their communities.

Her message is simple: conversations about organ and tissue donation begin with trust.

“Sharing our lifesaving message is all about making connections and building trust in our communities,” said E. Denise. “We need to be visible, we need to listen, and we need to meet people where they are. When people feel heard and respected, they are more open to having an honest conversation.”

E. Denise is especially passionate about reaching communities where questions and misconceptions about donation may prevent people from having conversations about becoming donors.

“Many people of color have a strong distrust for the medical community,” said E. Denise. “It often feels like we are behind the eight ball when we begin conversations about donation. But we keep showing up. We answer questions, we listen and we plant seeds. That is how trust begins.”

For E. Denise, that work is one way she can honor the donor who gave her the opportunity to experience another chapter of life.

“I am so grateful for my donor and my donor family,” said E. Denise. “There are no words that can fully express what their decision means to me. Every birthday, every holiday, every time I stand up and sing, I know that I am here because someone gave me a chance.”

Living the Life She Was Given

Today, E. Denise embraces the life her transplant made possible. In addition to her work with NJ Sharing Network, she is a nationally recognized speaker, wellness advocate, and healthy cooking coach. Through her work with Prep2Live and Mae’s Plate, she promotes healthy living, community connection, and access to resources for underserved communities.

Twenty years after her transplant, E. Denise continues to make the most of the opportunities her donor made possible – from serving her community and advocating for donation to singing at her church and raising her voice at events throughout New Jersey. Most importantly, she has been able to share 20 more years of life with her family, creating memories and being present for the people who mean the most to her.

For E. Denise, October 2 is more than the anniversary of a medical procedure. It is a milestone that reminds her how much life has given her over the past two decades – and how grateful she is to have shared so much of it with her family.

“I never want to forget that journey,” said E. Denise. “It brought me to this place. It brought me to do what I’m doing now. Twenty years later, I am still here, and I am grateful for every day.”

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 – E. Denise Peoples (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2 – E. Denise Peoples presenting to meeting attendees at the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 3 – E. Denise Peoples singing the National Anthem at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life in New Providence, NJ. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 4 – E. Denise Peoples prior to her double-lung transplant in October 2006. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to NJ Sharing Network’s Transplant Laboratory in New Providence, NJ, following a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. Recognized for rigorous and robust standards, CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes.

“The CAP accreditation is an important recognition of the expertise, dedication and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our Transplant Laboratory team,” said Sharyn Sawczak, RN, BSHCA, CPTC, CTBS, Chief Administrative Officer, NJ Sharing Network. “In transplantation, every test plays an important role in the journey of a donor and patient, and accurate, timely results are essential to helping our transplant partners make informed decisions. Our laboratory professionals take great pride in providing the precision, expertise, and responsiveness that this lifesaving work demands, knowing that behind every test is a person waiting for the opportunity for a second chance at life.”

CAP accreditation is widely recognized as a rigorous benchmark for laboratory quality. During the accreditation process, inspectors evaluate laboratory records, quality control procedures, staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety programs, and overall management to ensure activities reflect current best practices. NJ Sharing Network’s Transplant Laboratory is among more than 8,500 laboratories accredited by CAP worldwide. CAP also supports more than 23,000 laboratories through proficiency testing, external quality assessment programs, quality improvement resources, protocols, and evidence-based guidelines.

NJ Sharing Network’s Transplant Laboratory operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing specialized histocompatibility testing to support safe, timely transplants for deceased and living organ donors and recipients. Services include HLA typing, antibody screening and identification, crossmatching, and ABO testing, as well as pre- and post-transplant evaluation, including for highly sensitized patients who may face additional challenges finding a compatible organ. As NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving work has expanded, so has the volume of testing performed by the laboratory, with more than 58,000 tests completed in 2025.

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.

About the College of American Pathologists

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and a leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the www.CAP.org and www.YourPathologist.org.

About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network is a federally designated nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Headquartered in New Providence, NJ Sharing Network partners with 56 local hospitals to give hope to more than 3,000 New Jersey residents awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, while also supporting the national effort to help more than 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant waiting list. With more than three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network is recognized as one of the nation’s leading organ procurement organizations (OPOs). For more information or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Amber Astalos – Hamilton, NJ | Mercer County Community College, Major: Nursing

Amber’s passion for nursing is deeply connected to the legacy of her childhood best friend, Hailey Palumbo, who died in a car accident at age 15. Hailey’s family made the selfless decision to donate her organs and tissue, ultimately saving and improving more than 40 lives. Amber has since become an advocate for donation and has met Hannah, the recipient of Hailey’s liver. That meeting transformed organ donation from an idea into something deeply personal and real. Now pursuing a nursing degree while working as a Critical Care Technician, Amber hopes to honor Hailey’s legacy by providing compassionate care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees; Amber Astalos, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation; and Debbie Prince, Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Clirver Farrow – Woodbridge, NJ | University of Toledo, Major: Masters in Transplantation & Donation Sciences

Clirver’s commitment to organ donation began more than 20 years ago, when her stepfather was awaiting a kidney transplant. That experience inspired a lifelong passion for healthcare and transplantation. Today, Clirver works as a Family Services Coordinator, supporting donor families and educating communities about the lifesaving impact of donation. She has witnessed both the profound grief of donor families and the renewed hope experienced by transplant recipients, further deepening her dedication to the field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is pursuing a master’s degree in in Transplantation and Donation Sciences. She hopes to build on her experience in the field by supporting families, advocating for donation, and improving lives.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Clirver Farrow, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; and Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Erica Hall – Piscataway, NJ | Chamberlain University, Major: Nursing

Erica’s passion for healthcare was shaped by her aunt’s experience with kidney disease and transplantation. Although her aunt ultimately did not survive after receiving a transplant, her journey showed Erica the hope and possibility transplantation can provide. Today, Erica works in dialysis, caring for patients facing kidney failure and helping them understand transplantation as a potential lifesaving option. Her daily interactions with patients have given her a firsthand understanding of the physical and emotional challenges of kidney disease and strengthened her commitment to patient education and advocacy. Erica hopes to provide compassionate care, empower patients and families, and help others find hope during some of their most challenging moments.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees; Erica Hall, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation; and Debbie Prince, Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Katherine Marino – Toms River, NJ | Chamberlain University, Major: Nursing (MSN)

Katherine is a registered nurse pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner. Her work as a hospital liaison for NJ Sharing Network has given her a unique perspective on the role healthcare professionals play in donation and transplantation. Katherine supports donor families, collaborates with healthcare teams, and promotes donation through community outreach and Donate Life Month activities. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to patient- and family-centered care, particularly during some of life’s most difficult moments. As a future Nurse Practitioner, she hopes to combine clinical expertise with advocacy and compassionate care, particularly in critical care and transplant-related settings.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees; Katherine Marino, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner, and her daughter Elena; and Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Lauren O’Leary – Manasquan, NJ | Georgian Court University, Major: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

For Lauren, organ donation gave her life in a way she never expected. Her Uncle Timmy developed kidney disease and received two kidney transplants before ultimately needing a living donor. Lauren’s father was the only family member who was a match and donated his kidney to his brother. While recovering from the surgery, Lauren’s father was cared for by a nurse who would later become Lauren’s mother. Their relationship eventually blossomed into a family of their own, giving Lauren an especially personal connection to the gift that changed her family’s life. Inspired by generations of nurses in her family, Lauren is pursuing an accelerated nursing degree and hopes to make a similar impact on others. She is dedicating her education to her late Uncle Timmy, whose resilience, humor, and journey continue to inspire her.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation; Lauren O’Leary, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; and Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Alexander Rausch – Tinton Falls, NJ | Case Western Reserve University, Major: Biochemistry

Alexander is a biochemistry student at Case Western Reserve University with a passion for improving the future of organ transplantation. Through his research, he is exploring new ways to evaluate donor hearts, with the goal of improving transplant outcomes and helping ensure the generous gift of donation has the greatest possible impact. His commitment extends beyond the lab. As a volunteer with the Transplant House of Cleveland, Alexander has connected with transplant recipients and their families, deepening his understanding of the people and experiences behind the science. By bringing together research, service and a commitment to the transplant community, Alexander hopes to advance the field, honor the gift of donation and make a meaningful difference for those whose lives depend on transplantation.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation; Alexander Rausch, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees; and Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Andre Silvera – Hawthorne, NJ | Rutgers University, Major: Biomedical Engineering

Andre’s interest in healthcare was shaped by his family’s experiences with serious health conditions and his desire to find new ways to restore health and function. His connection to NJ Sharing Network began in 2013 through the 5K Celebration of Life, where he witnessed firsthand how organ donation can create a lasting legacy for donor families while giving recipients a second chance at life. Those early experiences helped shape his interest in addressing some of the challenges that limit access to transplantation. Now studying Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University, Andre is particularly interested in developing artificial organs and tissue that could one day help address the shortage of donor organs. He hopes to contribute to innovations that could expand the possibilities of transplantation and improve the lives of future patients.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Andre Silvera, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship winner; and Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Tyrell Weir – Lumberton, NJ | Rutgers University–Newark, Major: Nursing

Tyrell’s passion for nursing and organ donation is rooted in his mother’s lifesaving lung transplant. Witnessing her long wait for a donor and the transformation that followed showed him the impact donation can have on an entire family. Her transplant gave Tyrell more time with his mother and strengthened his desire to support other patients and families facing life-changing health challenges. As a nursing student, Tyrell is committed to compassionate, individualized care and health education. He plans to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on improving access to mental healthcare in underserved communities. While balancing a demanding academic schedule and supporting his mother’s recovery, Tyrell also takes on leadership roles advocating for nursing students and his community.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Janet Zanetich, Manager of Philanthropy of the Sharing Network Foundation; E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network; Christopher Bryant, Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees; Tyrell Weir, 2026 Sharing Network Foundation Scholarship winner; Tyrell’s mother Dr. Shanda Johnson; and Debbie Prince, Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

“These remarkable scholarship awardees inspire us with their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “Each student brings a unique perspective and personal connection to this important work. We are proud to invest in their education and support their development as the next generation of healthcare professionals. We look forward to seeing how they will carry their experiences, knowledge, and compassion into their future careers.”

The Sharing Network Foundation’s Health Sciences Scholarship Program is open to New Jersey residents currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university and majoring in fields such as nursing, social work, medical technology, biology, or other health sciences. Applicants are required to demonstrate a connection to organ and tissue donation and transplantation through personal experience, advocacy efforts, or professional aspirations. For more information about the Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships and other programs, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/Scholarship.

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.

(WESTFIELD, NJ) – More than a decade after a lifesaving liver transplant gave Matt Felix a second chance at life, the longtime Westfield resident will take that second chance all the way to the international soccer stage.

Felix will represent the United States as a member of the U.S. National Transplant Soccer Team at the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup, taking place Sept. 13-18 in Frankfurt, Germany. Hosted by the World Transplant Games Federation, the tournament will bring together transplant recipient athletes from around the world to celebrate athletic achievement, resilience, and the lifesaving impact of organ donation.

A longtime advocate for NJ Sharing Network, Felix has made it a personal mission to show others what is possible after receiving the gift of life. For Felix, the trip represents much more than another soccer tournament.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given a second chance at life, and I want people to understand just how powerful the gift of organ donation can be,” Felix said. “A transplant doesn’t just save your life – it gives you the opportunity to live it, to stay active, to pursue the things you love and to do things you may never have imagined possible.”

Felix, a 1981 graduate of Summit High School who has lived in Westfield for decades, has remained active in soccer throughout his life. His connection to the sport began at age 6, when his family moved from Philadelphia to Vienna, Austria, where soccer was the dominant sport. After returning to New Jersey and settling in Summit, he played at Summit High School and continued his soccer career at the University of Richmond.

There, he met Patrick Kacani, a fellow New Jersey native and soccer teammate who became his college roommate and fraternity brother.

Soccer would eventually play an unexpected role in saving Felix’s life.

After college, Felix continued playing recreational soccer, including with teams in Hoboken and Westfield. He eventually joined the Westfield Italians and later played for years with Westfield-area players in indoor leagues.

In 2012, however, Felix’s health began to deteriorate. He had lived for approximately two decades with primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, a disease affecting the bile ducts that ultimately caused his liver to fail. Doctors told him he needed a liver transplant.

Felix initially kept his condition largely private. But when he told the organizer of his local recreational soccer league that he would have to stop playing because of medical issues, word spread through the Westfield soccer community. An email about his need for a transplant was shared with members of the local soccer association.

That email eventually reached Kacani, Felix’s former University of Richmond soccer teammate and roommate, who lived in Richmond, Virginia. Without knowing whether he would be a match, Kacani decided to be tested as a potential living liver donor.

“He just decided he was going to be my donor,” Felix recalled. “There was no hesitation. He saw what I was going through and simply wanted to help give me my life back.”

Kacani ultimately was a transplant match. On Nov. 27, 2012, he donated a portion of his liver to Felix, giving his longtime friend a new lease on life.

Today, Felix remains deeply committed to sharing that message. Through his involvement with NJ Sharing Network, he has participated in organ and tissue donation awareness events, fundraisers and community activities, while also competing alongside other transplant recipients as a member of Team Liberty at the Transplant Games of America.

His upcoming trip to Germany will bring that message to an even larger stage.

Felix was also a member of Team USA at the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in Cervia, Italy, in 2024. Team USA finished ninth after players from across the country met one another for the first time just before competition began. The team came together as the tournament progressed, earning ties against Romania and Wales before defeating Northern Ireland 2-1 in its final match. Felix scored the winning goal.

This time, he and his teammates will arrive in Germany with the experience of having competed together before.

For Felix, the most meaningful part of the World Cup may be what happens beyond the scoreboard.

“What’s unique about the soccer tournament is that not only are you a transplant recipient, but you also have soccer in common,” he said. “It creates an incredible connection among people from all over the world who might otherwise have never crossed paths.”

Felix hopes his journey will inspire others to consider living donation and to register as organ and tissue donors to leave behind a legacy of caring for others.

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 1 – (L-R) Matt Felix (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2 – U.S. National Transplant Soccer Team (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 3 – (L-R) Patrick Kacani and Matt Felix (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 4 – Matt Felix embraces Patrick Kacani following their liver transplant surgery in 2012 (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 5 – The Felix Family: (L-R) Caroline, Katie, Andrew, Matt and Trish (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 6– Trish and Matt Felix (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Mary Smith
NJ Sharing Network

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) – Twenty-five years after helping evacuate people from Manhattan following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Bloomfield resident Tony Moyet is reflecting on his journey from a ferry captain responding to one of the nation’s darkest days to a transplant recipient who was given a second chance at life. Today, he shares his story as an advocate for NJ Sharing Network to honor his donor and raise awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

On September 11, 2001, Moyet was a captain with NY Waterway and was working aboard a ferry transporting commuters between Hoboken and the World Financial Center when the World Trade Center was attacked. After seeing the devastation, he called for boats to assist with the evacuation. Moyet and his fellow ferry captains helped transport people away from lower Manhattan, and he continued working until 3 a.m. the following morning.

Moyet returned to the Ground Zero area in the days and months that followed, spending another year and a half transporting federal agents, police officers, firefighters and other workers, as well as equipment and supplies, to the recovery effort.

“I don’t consider myself a hero,” said Moyet. “I just consider myself a person who happened to be in this bad situation, trying to do the best that he can to help others.”

Nearly two decades later, Moyet found himself facing a life-threatening health crisis. In January 2018, he sought medical attention for a persistent cough and difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His condition rapidly progressed to end-stage COPD and emphysema, and his doctors attributed his severe lung disease to his exposure to the contaminated air at Ground Zero. At one point, Moyet required oxygen around the clock and was told he had only months to live.

Moyet’s best hope was a double lung transplant. He was placed on the transplant waiting list on July 2, 2021. The very next day, a donor was identified whose lungs matched his size and blood type. On July 4, 2021, Moyet received his lifesaving double lung transplant and returned home just 18 days later.

Today, Moyet is enjoying the gift of renewed health and the opportunity to spend more time with his family and friends. He is deeply grateful for the donor whose gift made his transplant possible and is committed to honoring that gift by sharing his story through NJ Sharing Network.

“I don’t need oxygen, and my lungs are working great,” said Moyet. “I am truly humbled and forever grateful to the organ donor hero who gave me my new lungs.”

Moyet has participated in NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life, joining transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, volunteers and supporters to honor the gift of life. Through his involvement with NJ Sharing Network, he continues to help raise awareness about the thousands of people whose lives could be changed through organ and tissue donation.

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is commemorated, Moyet’s story offers a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of those who answer the call to help others – and of the extraordinary gift of organ and tissue donation that allows people like him to continue their journey.

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 1: Bloomfield resident and double lung transplant recipient Tony Moyet participates in NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life and is focused on sharing his inspiring transplant story to help spread awareness about the power of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2: Bloomfield resident and double lung transplant recipient Tony Moyet (right) enjoys a precious moment with his stepson, E.J. Hendrickson; daughter, Sophia Moyet; wife, Arlene Rosado; and mother-in-law, Juana Rosado. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(PATERSON, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network recently brought its commitment to supporting local students to Paterson through its annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive. School supplies, including notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators and more, were generously contributed by NJ Sharing Network team members and community partners.

The school supplies were distributed to local students during the organization’s Live Healthy & Move community event at Vera Ames Community Park. Following the event, E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network and a double-lung transplant recipient, delivered additional school supplies to Paterson Public School 18 – her alma mater – where she met with school leaders and staff as they prepared for the new school year.

“As someone who was born and raised in Paterson, giving back to students in our community is incredibly meaningful,” said Peoples. “I know how important it is for young people to feel supported, and I am proud to be part of an organization that looks for opportunities to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

The school supplies will help students begin the new school year with essential tools for learning and success. The initiative reflects NJ Sharing Network’s ongoing commitment to building strong community partnerships and supporting children and families 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 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 1 – (At Center) E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network, with Paterson Public School 18 Principal Deyanira Pagan-Cartagena and Ronald Barone, technology teacher. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2 – E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network, delivers school supplies to Paterson Public School 18. Peoples is pictured with Principal Deyanira Pagan-Cartagena and Vice Principal Jessica Marie Cambareri, along with members of the school staff in the background. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – Martina Yakoub of New Providence has been named the awardee of the 2026 J. Marilyn MacQueen Rising Star Award, a prestigious national honor presented by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) to recognize an outstanding laboratory technologist who has worked in the field for fewer than 36 months and demonstrates a commitment to pursuing a career in histocompatibility and transplantation. Yakoub will receive her award during the ASHI 52nd Annual Meeting on October 27, 2026, in Montréal.

Yakoub, who joined NJ Sharing Network in 2023 and currently serves as Molecular DNA Lead Technologist in the organization’s Transplant Laboratory, was selected as the sole awardee based on an essay that best exemplified the spirit and dedication of the award.

“I am proud to be part of a team that works every day at NJ Sharing Network to help save and enhance lives,” said Yakoub. “This recognition motivates me to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the field of histocompatibility and transplantation. I am grateful to NJ Sharing Network, my mentors, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

Yakoub began her career with NJ Sharing Network as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in September 2023 before being named Molecular DNA Lead Technologist in April 2026. In her role at NJ Sharing Network, Yakoub performs HLA testing to help determine compatibility between organ donors and transplant recipients. This specialized testing is one part of the comprehensive work performed by the organization’s Transplant Laboratory, which also conducts antibody screening and crossmatching to support transplant programs in identifying suitable donor-recipient matches.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the NJ Sharing Network Transplant Laboratory in New Providence collaborates with transplant programs throughout New Jersey and provides donor testing for organ and tissue transplantation nationally, supporting both deceased and living donor transplantation as well as patients before and after transplantation.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), 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 NJ Sharing Network at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO – (At center) NJ Sharing Network’s Martina Yakoub is congratulated by her colleagues Julien Napoleon, Assistant Director of Laboratory Technical Operations, and Donna King, Director of Laboratory Operations, after being named the recipient of the 2026 J. Marilyn MacQueen Rising Star Award. (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)