NJ Sharing Network Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month by Honoring Organ Donor Heroes and Raising Awareness About the Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation
(New Providence, NJ) – According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN), over 22,000 Hispanic individuals are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. In 2023, Hispanic Americans made up about 15% of all organ donors in the U.S. This number is steadily growing, though it still falls short compared to the need among Hispanic patients.
As the nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), NJ Sharing Network proudly honors the vital contributions of Hispanic Americans, not only in enriching our communities but in supporting the lifesaving mission of organ and tissue donation.
“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and honor the generosity of local Hispanic organ and tissue donors and their families, who said ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of others,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “Their lifesaving impact is truly inspiring, but we must also use this opportunity to address the critical need for more individuals from this diverse community to register as organ and tissue donors. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation about donation continue to be major barriers, preventing some from joining the organ and tissue donor registry. By raising awareness and sharing local stories of hope, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that more lives are saved.”
Common myths and misinformation, such as believing that doctors will not work as hard to save the lives of registered organ and tissue donors or that organ and tissue donation is against religious beliefs, have contributed to a lower registration rate within the Hispanic community. Donate Life America, NJ Sharing Network, and organ procurement organizations throughout the U.S. lead year-round initiatives to educate and raise awareness among Hispanics about the safety, importance, and lifesaving potential of organ and tissue donation, as well as the fact that all major religions in the U.S. support donation and/or consider it the greatest gift a person can give.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. The opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare - not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate after they pass away. In fact, only 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for organ donation. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors.
To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
A Caring Spirit Lives On – Julian Rosado of Bayonne
Julian Rosado, 31, of Bayonne always brought smiles to the faces of his family, friends, and co-workers. He had a unique ability to make others feel comfortable – especially during difficult times when they needed support.
“He was like a ray of sunshine,” said Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother. “He was quirky and funny, and always had a positive spirit and energy. He especially loved his daughters, Julianna and Cheyenne.”
As a young boy, Julian was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Despite struggling in school and sports activities, Julian worked hard to earn a degree and became a successful, OSHA-certified plumber.
In March 2021, Julian married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple looked forward to a bright future together and planned to buy a new home. Just three months later, an unthinkable tragedy occurred when Julian passed away following an accidental fall.
“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle,” said Mary Jane. “We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way.”
While the family continues to miss Julian, they are proud that his caring legacy lives on as an organ donor. Julian’s gifts saved the lives of three people.
“Now he is like a sunflower, who spreads seeds so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave others the gift of life,” said Mary Jane.
Forever a Hero - Freddy Diaz Villa of Englewood
The family, friends and coworkers of Freddy Diaz Villa of Englewood, NJ, all knew whenever they saw him, they would be greeted with his warm smile and usually a great big hug. While he loved music, cooking and basketball, his greatest joy in life came from helping others. On January 25, 2022, Freddy, a special young man, passed away at the age of 23.
“He was my life, and we are all in pain every day since he has been gone,” said Lucy Villa, Freddy’s mother. “We will remember him for being someone who thought about what others needed before what he needed in life.”
Freddy’s donated organs saved the lives of seven people. His liver saved a 6-month-old boy and a 35-year-old woman. His kidneys saved two boys, ages 9 and 16. His lungs saved two men, ages 63 and 77. His heart saved a 52-year-old man.
Lucy recalls the countless times that Freddy would actively lend a helping hand to others. During his teenage years, Freddy spent his after-school hours at the medical office building where his mother worked as the Office Administrator. This healthcare environment furthered his passion for supporting those in need.
“Even the cleaning services team loved Freddy,” said Lucy. “He would always take half of his breakfast and share it with them. He would tell me it was his way of showing them that he cared.”
During Freddy’s final days in the hospital, Lucy and her family struggled with the decision on whether to donate his organs and tissue. Ultimately, Lucy realized that Freddy would want to give the gift of life as his final act of compassion to others.
“I had a dream about Freddy, and a feeling came over me that he wanted to give to others now that his time was done here on Earth,” said Lucy. “I am glad that I followed that feeling. I know it would make Freddy happy to know that he helped others.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Julian Rosado (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
About NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, NJ, 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 54 local hospitals to provide hope for nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and is part of the national recovery system for over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. NJ Sharing Network is among the top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPO) in the nation, setting organ donation records for five consecutive years. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
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