Holmdel Woman’s Legacy Lives on Through Organ and Tissue Donation and a 5K Team Led by Her Daughter
(Holmdel, NJ) – When Carmen Mohamadi of Holmdel passed away unexpectedly in February 2018 at the age of 40, her family was heartbroken. But in the midst of their grief, they found some comfort in learning that Carmen was a registered organ and tissue donor. Her final act of kindness saved five lives. Her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs were generously donated to individuals in need, offering hope and healing in the face of loss.
Carmen’s family made a powerful decision to carry on her loving spirit — forming a 5K team in her memory. Team Lady in Red quickly came together just three months later to participate in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, and they’ve been showing up ever since.
Now, seven years later, the team continues to honor Carmen’s life and legacy by participating in the event’s Ocean Grove 5K, where they will once again gather on Saturday, May 17 to celebrate the gift of life and pay tribute to Carmen and other organ and tissue donor heroes.
“Everything happened so fast. It was just three months after losing my mom, but my family and I knew we had to be part of the 5K,” said Ashley Wright, Carmen’s daughter, and team captain. “We sent messages to family and friends, designed t-shirts, and made it to the walk - it all came together quickly, and it was exactly what we needed. That first event gave us a sense of purpose and healing.”
Carmen Mohamadi, born Carmen Robles in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was raised in Union, New Jersey. She eventually settled in Holmdel with her devoted husband, Steven Mohamadi, where they raised their daughters, Ashley and Anna. Carmen was full of life, known for her love of red lipstick, red roses, and all things bold and vibrant - a passion that inspired the team’s name and their signature red-themed attire.
“NJ Sharing Network’s Ocean Grove 5K is an event I look forward to every year,” said Ashley. “There’s something so powerful about seeing hundreds of people come together - you hear stories, see tearful hugs, joyful smiles, and you realize you are part of something truly meaningful. We keep showing up as Lady in Red to remember my mom and to celebrate the life she gave to others.”
Carmen is survived by her husband Steven; daughters Ashley and Anna; parents William and Carmen (Colon) Robles; siblings William Robles (Julie) and Milagros Rodriguez (Julio); and many cherished family members and friends who continue to honor her memory and keep her legacy alive.
Team Lady in Red proudly honors Carmen each year with heartfelt memories, matching t-shirts, and of course — a splash of red.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Races will be held on Saturday, May 17, in Ocean Grove, and on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in New Providence, NJ. The Ocean Grove 5K is presented by MTF Biologics, and the New Providence 5K is presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable events. For 15 years, NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life has brought together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and dedicated volunteers and advocates. Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors will support the Sharing Network Foundation, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education.
To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.
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. While the opportunity to give the gift? of life is rare, it’s a truly precious one. Less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to become an organ donor, which highlights the importance of encouraging more people to register as donors. Every new donor registration brings hope, helping to save and enhance lives.
For more information on organ and tissue donation or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION - Members of the Lady in Red 5K team at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life event in May 2024 (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)