Hamburg Resident Lawrence Bologna Gives Thanks for Lifesaving Liver Transplant and Honors His Organ Donor
(Hamburg, NJ) – This holiday season, Lawrence “Larry” Bologna is especially mindful of the precious gift he received 19 years ago. On November 20, 2005, Larry’s life was forever changed by a lifesaving liver transplant. This year, surrounded by family, Larry will honor his donor and remember the gift that has allowed him a future filled with gratitude and cherished moments.
“The holiday season is a perfect time to celebrate family and remember those who have impacted our lives. For me, it's also a time to honor my organ donor and the incredible generosity that saved me,” says Larry. “I don’t know who my organ donor was, but I think of them every day.”
Diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1994, Larry’s health challenges grew as a liver tumor eventually became cancerous. By 2005, a liver transplant was his only hope. With the support of his wife, Donna, and his family, Larry waited anxiously on the transplant list, holding onto hope until the call finally came in the early hours of November 20.
Larry’s gratitude has fueled his life since that day, inspiring him to give back in both his career and daily life. After recovering, he continued his 30-year career at The Valley Hospital, where he supported patients facing their own health challenges. Larry’s journey came full circle in 2010 when he was finally cured of hepatitis C, marking a new chapter of health and happiness.
Now retired, Larry enjoys spending time with Donna and their sons, Nick and LJ. He also advocates for NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors.
“We often hear the words ‘thank you’ said casually in passing. But from an organ recipient, it carries a world of meaning. Thanks to my organ donor and their family, I have been able to watch my boys grow up. There’s no way to fully express a big enough ‘thank you’ for all the years of joy and memories this gift has given me,” said Larry.
Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, added, “We are incredibly proud of our NJ Sharing Network team members and hospital partners who work tirelessly to facilitate the gift and provide compassionate care to our donor families. Transplant recipients like Larry Bologna epitomize the incredible impact organ and tissue donation has on recipients and their loved ones.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with nearly 4,000 of them in New Jersey. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. 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. To learn more about organ donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION – Lawrence 'Larry' Bologna (second from left) celebrates the holiday season with his family: son LJ, wife Donna, son Nick, and daughter-in-law Amanda. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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