Teaneck’s Karsen Griffin Awarded Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship

Teaneck’s Karsen Griffin Awarded Sharing Network Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship

TEANECK, NJ – The Sharing Network Foundation is proud to announce that Karsen Griffin, a Teaneck resident and student at Bergen Community College, has been awarded a Health Sciences Scholarship for her outstanding commitment to the field of respiratory therapy and her advocacy for organ and tissue donation.

Karsen’s journey into healthcare was inspired at a young age by her grandfather, who battled cancer and ultimately passed away when Karsen was nine years old. Determined to make a difference, Karsen immersed herself in science, later discovering her calling in respiratory therapy. Now, as she completes her clinical rotations, she finds immense fulfillment in helping patients breathe and regain their health.

“Witnessing a patient transition from a ventilator to breathing on their own will never cease to amaze me,” said Karsen. “As respiratory therapists, we have a unique responsibility to ensure something so vital - something many take for granted.”

Beyond her studies, Karsen has been a strong advocate for NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. She proudly registered as an organ donor at 17, a decision that was further reinforced when she learned her grandfather had once been a platelet donor.

“I believe organ and tissue donation is one of the greatest legacies a person can leave behind,” said Karsen. “Through my career, my donor registration, and educating others, I hope to continue paying it forward.”

Funded by NJ Sharing Network’s Employee Giving Campaign, the Health Sciences Scholarship Program demonstrates the commitment of NJ Sharing Network team members to foster the next generation of healthcare professionals who will play a critical role in saving and enhancing lives.

The Sharing Network Foundation inaugural Health Sciences Scholarship Program was open to New Jersey residents currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university, majoring in fields such as nursing, social work, medical technology, or biology. Applicants were required to demonstrate a connection to organ and tissue donation and transplantation, either through personal experience, advocacy efforts, or professional aspirations. The scholarship recipients were:

Karsen Griffin – Bergen Community College, Major: Respiratory Therapy

Abagale Petty – Georgian Court University, Major: Nursing

Amelia Rowniewski – American University, Major: Public Health

Angelyna Scheck – Eastwick College, Major: Mortuary Science

Reilly Williams – Seton Hall University, Major: Nursing

Devon Woods – Eastwick College, Major: Surgical Technology

For more information about the Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships and other programs, please visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.

About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network is a federally designated nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Headquartered in New Providence, NJ Sharing Network partners with 54 local hospitals to bring hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, while also contributing to the national effort to support more than 100,000 individuals on the U.S. transplant waiting list. With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network has achieved record-breaking organ donation milestones for six consecutive years. Recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs), the organization was honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year. Additionally, NJ Sharing Network has been named one of New Jersey’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for seven consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to fostering an innovative, mission-driven workplace. To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

About the Sharing Network Foundation

The Sharing Network Foundation supports the work of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. The Foundation is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education about the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.