Union Resident Joe Covino Thankful for the Gift of His Lifesaving Liver Transplant
(Union, NJ) - Joe Covino, a resident of Union, NJ, is celebrating his lifesaving liver transplant, which took place on November 4, 2024. Just a few months after his surgery, Joe’s remarkable recovery serves as an inspiring testament to the power of organ and tissue donation and his determination to embrace his second chance at life.
Joe’s journey to transplant was a challenging one. Diagnosed in 2015 with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the bile ducts and ultimately leads to liver failure, Joe endured years of fatigue, debilitating cramps, periods of jaundice, swelling and worsening symptoms. His quality of life was poor. A pivotal moment came while traveling abroad to celebrate his 60th birthday. While visiting Paris with his wife and family, Joe experienced a medical emergency that revealed his condition had reached a critical point. After an emergency flight home, Joe was hospitalized and listed for a transplant.
“When I was told I had only months to live without a transplant, it was a shock,” said Joe. “On the outside, I didn’t look that sick, but my liver was failing, and time was running out. It was so scary, but I knew I had to fight if I wanted to live.”
Joe’s background gave his experience an even deeper meaning. As a former NJ Sharing Network employee and clinical research manager specializing in rare diseases, Joe had long appreciated the importance of organ and tissue donation. “You never think you’ll be the one in need of a transplant, but life puts these challenges in your path,” said Joe.
Joe’s transplant at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City was made possible thanks to the selfless decision of a donor and their family. Just weeks after his surgery, Joe is already experiencing a renewed sense of health and vitality.
“When you’re sick all the time, it becomes your norm, and you forget what living fully feels like. Now, I wake up every day excited for what’s ahead,” said Joe. “I’m so grateful to my donor and their family for giving me this incredible gift. It’s given me a second chance, and I want to use it to inspire others to consider registering as organ and tissue donors to leave a legacy behind as the ultimate gift to others in need.”
Joe and his wife, Lucy, a nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center, are looking forward to traveling again and making new memories. Joe also hopes to connect with his donor’s family one day to express his heartfelt gratitude directly. For now, Joe is focused on sharing his story to raise awareness and encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors.
“This experience has taught me that life is a precious gift. I am forever grateful to wife, my family, and all my friends that supported me, prayed for me, and cared for me,” said Joe. “Always remember to live life with joy - take a vacation, have a great meal, kiss a loved one or simply take some time today to do something that brings you happiness!”
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: Joe and Lucy Covino – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network