(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)

(NORTH HALEDON, NJ) – The family of North Haledon resident John Levine continues to honor his life and legacy through acts of generosity that make a lasting impact on countless lives.

More than 175 golfers, friends, family members, business leaders, and community supporters recently gathered at Arcola Country Club in Paramus for The John Levine Fund’s 6th Annual Benefit Golf Outing and Dinner, raising more than $190,000 for the Sharing Network Foundation. Through this event and other charitable initiatives, the Levine family and their supporters have contributed more than $425,000 to advance NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

The event brought together many of the region’s leaders in commercial real estate, reflecting the industry’s strong commitment to giving back to the community. Lead sponsors included Deugen Development Real Estate, Cole Schotz P.C., MSW – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, Newmark, and Devli Real Estate.

John passed away unexpectedly in September 2014 at the age of 54. A devoted husband, proud father, accomplished business leader, and loyal friend, John made the selfless decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. John’s gifts as an organ donor saved lives and inspired his family to channel their loss into a mission of service.

Since John’s passing, his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, Jennifer and Jesse, have continued to honor his legacy through a variety of volunteer, educational, and fundraising efforts in support of NJ Sharing Network. The annual benefit is led by John’s son-in-law, Eric Gormeley, with the support of Jennifer, the Levine family, and many dedicated volunteers. Through the event, Eric has united colleagues and leaders throughout the commercial real estate industry to honor John’s legacy while raising awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.

“Our family started this event to honor John, but it’s also about helping others understand that every person has the opportunity to be a hero,” said Eric Gormeley. “Helping carry forward John’s legacy means a great deal to our family. If sharing his story inspires even one more person to register as an organ and tissue donor, then we’ve made a difference.”

Jennifer Gormeley, John’s daughter, said the event also serves as a heartfelt reminder of the many lives her father touched, both during his lifetime and through his decision to become an organ donor.

“My dad had a way of bringing people together, and this event is a beautiful reflection of who he was,” she said. “Seeing so many family members, friends, colleagues, and supporters come together each year reminds us that his kindness continues to live on in ways we never could have imagined.”

The Sharing Network Foundation supports the mission of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Funds raised help advance clinical innovation, provide compassionate support to organ and tissue donor families, and expand public awareness and education throughout New Jersey.

“The Levine family has shown how one family’s commitment can inspire an entire community to make a difference,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation. “Year after year, the John Levine fund brings together people who believe in helping others. Their ongoing commitment not only honors John’s remarkable legacy but also helps inspire more people to give the gift of life for generations to come.”

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 or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

For more information about the Sharing Network Foundation, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.

PHOTO #1 – (L-R) Reese and Jesse Levine, Jacqueline Levine, Jennifer Gormeley and her children, Declan, Anneliese and Aurora, (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO #2 – Eric and Jennifer Gormeley are pictured with their children, Declan, Anneliese and Aurora, during The John Levine Fund’s 6th Annual Benefit Golf Outing. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO #3 – North Haledon resident John Levine gave the gift of life to others as an organ donor (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(NEWARK, N.J.) — Ten years ago, Gloria Robinson-Mills of Newark, N.J., wasn’t sure how much time she had left to live. Today, the 77-year-old is celebrating a decade of life after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant—and using her story to support NJ Sharing Network’s mission and encourage others to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

“I am so blessed to have lived these 10 years because of my organ donor,” said Gloria. “I never knew how many years I would be given. I hoped for one year, then three, and now it’s been 10. I’m still here, still living, and still grateful for every day.”

Gloria’s transplant journey began with a routine blood test that revealed elevated liver enzymes. She was diagnosed with hepatitis, which eventually progressed to cirrhosis and the need for a liver transplant. Gloria kept much of her health journey private. But when she learned that the wait for a transplant could be years, she became determined to advocate for herself and explore every option. She traveled to several transplant centers around the country and even rented an apartment in St. Petersburg, Florida, so she could be close to a transplant center and ready to respond if a liver became available.

Then, in August 2016, Gloria returned to New Jersey for dental work. While at her dentist’s office, she received the call she had been waiting for: a liver was available for transplant at NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

“I immediately called my family, and I was on my way into New York,” Gloria recalled.

She received her lifesaving transplant on Aug. 16, 2016.

Looking back, Gloria is struck by the timing.

“Coming back to New Jersey for dental work felt like part of a bigger plan—one that was beyond anything I could have imagined,” she said. “I never could have planned it, but somehow everything fell into place. I truly believe I was meant to be back in New Jersey when that call came.” 

Turning a Second Chance Into a Life of Service

Born and raised in Newark, Gloria spent her career as a social worker with the Essex County Welfare Division and has long advocated for underserved communities. For several years, she operated a program for people experiencing homelessness in Newark and founded Humans for Humanity, which provided clothing, food, and household necessities to people in need. Today, she continues helping others while serving as a full-time caregiver for her longtime partner.

“The transplant gave me more time, and I wanted to make that time count,” Gloria said. “I’ve always believed that if you have something to give, you should give it.”

Her message is especially meaningful during August, which is National Minority Donor Awareness Month—a time where NJ Sharing Network joins organizations across the country to honor the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families while raising awareness about the need for more registered donors in diverse communities.

Nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and approximately 67% are people of color, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people.

As an African American transplant recipient, Gloria hopes her story inspires people in her community and beyond to consider registering as organ and tissue donors. Greater diversity among registered donors can help increase access to transplantation for everyone.

For Gloria, each year since her transplant has been a reminder of the person whose gift made those years possible. Although she does not know her donor’s identity, she remains deeply grateful to the donor and their family.

“I wish I could thank my donor’s family in person,” Gloria said. “I know that while I was given the opportunity to live, they were experiencing an incredible loss. I will never take for granted what they gave me.”

Now, as she celebrates 10 years since her transplant, Gloria hopes her story can offer encouragement to others waiting for a lifesaving transplant while inspiring more people to become donors.

“Don’t give up hope,” Gloria said. “Be your own advocate, ask questions and explore every option available to you. I want people to know that there can be hope even when the road ahead seems uncertain. I’m grateful for the life I’ve been given, and I want to use it to make a difference. If you have something to give, give it—you never know whose life you could change.”

To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO 1 – Gloria Robinson-Mills of Newark, NJ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

PHOTO 2 – Gloria Robinson-Mills and her friend Denise Cooney celebrate the anniversary of Gloria’s liver transplant (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)