NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life United Thousands to Support Organ and Tissue Donation
(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – On Sunday, June 9, 2024, thousands of people joined together in New Providence, NJ, to show their support for organ and tissue donation during NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race.
The event, which was presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable 5K events. Organ and tissue transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, hospital partners, and dedicated volunteers were energized to help raise awareness about the power of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. In addition to the 5K race and walk, attendees enjoyed music and dancing, food and refreshments, and games and activities for children.
Funds raised by 5K Celebration of Life participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors support the Sharing Network Foundation, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, and public awareness and education. Thus far, more than $1.5 million has been raised for this year’s 5K Celebration of Life campaign.
Victor DiSanto, Chair of the New Providence 5K Celebration of Life, has a powerful connection to NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission. His words spoken from the main stage helped energize the crowd at the event.
“We come together because all of us have been touched by donation and transplantation in some way,” said DiSanto. “My son, Joe, is alive and well thanks to a heart transplant he received 18 years ago. None of this happens without our angel - Joe’s organ donor, Natalie, and her amazing family. They made the selfless decision to say, ‘YES’ to save lives.”
There are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a lifesaving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more and join the National Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)