From Lifesaving Kidney Transplant Recipient to Advocate: NJ Sharing Network Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by Highlighting the Inspiring Journey of Nancy “Zoeh” Arana of Roselle
(Roselle, 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 transplant 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. NJ Sharing Network is proud to share the remarkable story of Nancy “Zoeh” Arana of Roselle, NJ, whose life shows the power of organ donation and transplantation.
Embracing Life and Giving Back
Born in El Salvador, Zoeh and her family immigrated to the United States, where she enjoyed a healthy and happy childhood. However, her life took a dramatic turn in [YEAR] when she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite undergoing rigorous dialysis treatments and maintaining a hopeful outlook, the reality of her condition made it clear that a kidney transplant was her only chance for survival.
“I remember writing down my thoughts, memories, and important life lessons in a notebook for my daughter, Nancy, because I did not think I was going to live much longer. I was clinging to every bit of hope I could find,” said Zoeh.
Zoeh’s prayers were answered when a friend of her husband Carlos connected them with the family of a young man who suffered a fatal accident. The young man’s mother, who was made aware of Zoeh’s need for a kidney, was moved to make a directed donation and donated her son’s kidney to Zoeh. This provided Zoeh with the lifesaving transplant she so desperately needed.
“I am forever grateful to my donor and his mother. Their incredible generosity not only saved my life but also inspires me every day. I am committed to honoring their gift and my donor’s legacy,” said Zoeh.
Since her transplant, Zoeh has dedicated her life to giving back by actively supporting her church and her personal mission work in El Salvador and Colombia. Zoeh and Carlos have also served as foster parents, providing care and support to children in need.
Zoeh’s path to NJ Sharing Network began while she was working at a nonprofit focused on mental health. Though she loved her job, she sought a new role where she could expand her reach and touch more lives. Now, as part of the NJ Sharing Network team, Zoeh uses her experience to connect with diverse communities, educate others about organ and tissue donation, and inspire hope in those waiting for transplants.
“Being a part of the NJ Sharing Network team feels like another perfect match, just like my kidney,” said Zoeh. “Every day, I’m grateful to be part of an organization that saves and enhances lives. To think that 18 years ago, I was sick and struggling, and now I’m helping others learn about the power of organ and tissue donation - it’s truly the perfect circle.”
Zoeh’s connection to organ donation doesn’t stop with her own story. Her sister also received a kidney transplant after battling a rare kidney disorder, and their mother, touched by the gift of life her daughters received, altruistically donated her kidney to a stranger.
“We are a family that is all-in when it comes to organ donation,” Zoeh shared. “My mom’s decision to donate to a stranger truly symbolizes what organ donation is about - giving life, even to those we may never meet.”
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. However, 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, less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors – especially in our diverse communities.
“Unfortunately, there are some common myths and misinformation that has contributed to a lower registration rate within our Hispanic communities, 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,” said Zoeh. “By sharing my story, I hope that we can help break down these barriers and ensure that more lives are saved.”
To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Photo Caption: (left-to-right) Zoeh Arana, Nancy Arana, and Carlos Arana
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.