Organ Donation in New Jersey Reached a New Record High in 2023

NJ Sharing Network reports 715 organs were transplanted marking fifth consecutive year of record growth

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, announced the number of organs transplanted in a single year reached an all-time high of 715 in 2023. This marks a significant 7% increase over the previous record of 670 organs transplanted in 2022. It is also the fifth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new organ donation records, underscoring a clear trend of people saying ‘YES’ in support for organ and tissue donation in the Garden State.

In 2023, the 715 organs transplanted included 374 kidneys, 195 livers, 62 hearts, 60 lungs, 22 pancreata and two (2) intestines. The 374 kidneys and 195 livers transplanted marked all-time highs for NJ Sharing Network. In addition, 44,266 eye and tissue gifts enhanced the quality of life for those in need, an 11% increase over the prior year. Tissue donations include corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, bone grafts, saphenous veins, and tendons. One deceased organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

Amazing Partners. Lifesaving Results.

NJ Sharing Network proudly partners with an extensive network of 54 local hospitals to steward the gift of life.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center had the highest number of organs transplanted (74) and most tissue and eye donors (76) of any hospital in NJ Sharing Network’s service area.

Cooper University Hospital had the highest number of organ donors (28) of any of NJ Sharing Network’s partner hospitals.

University Hospital (Newark) had its highest number of organs recovered for transplant (65) and organ donors (25) in its history.

An additional 20% of NJ Sharing Network’s partner hospitals set individual records for the highest number of transplanted organs or donated tissue in their history.

A Local Story of Hope: Wendy Carr of Newton Celebrates 1-Year Transplant Anniversary

Wendy Carr’s life changed dramatically on the morning of September 13, 2015. The Newton, NJ, resident woke up feeling tremendous pressure and pain in her chest. Wendy and her husband Joe rushed to the hospital. Two days later, she had a stent procedure done at Morristown Medical Center. While in recovery, Wendy had a massive heart attack that severely damaged her heart.

“The left side of my heart stopped working,” said Wendy. “I could no longer do many of the things that I used to take for granted. When I moved too quickly, I would get winded. I could barely get up a flight of steps.”

After medication and treatments failed to regenerate Wendy’s heart, she was added to the heart transplant list. She did her best to keep a positive outlook for the future as she waited for her donated heart.

On January 18, 2023, Wendy’s prayers were answered when she underwent a successful lifesaving heart transplant. In June, Wendy was able to enjoy and celebrate one of life’s most precious moments as her son, Nick, got married.

“My recovery after transplant has not always been easy, but I have come a long way and I am getting stronger every day,” said Wendy. “As much as we rejoice in this miracle, we always keep my organ donor angel and their family in our thoughts and prayers. I am forever grateful.”

About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network is the federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. NJ Sharing Network partners with an extensive network of 54 local hospitals to provide hope for nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and it is part of the national recovery system for the over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. For five consecutive years, NJ Sharing Network has reported organ donation records, underscoring the generosity of New Jerseyans and the clear trend of growing support for organ and tissue donation. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the state’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for the last six years. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.