NJ Woman Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Liver Transplant by Running 5K with Her Father Ahead of Father’s Day
(New Providence, NJ) - In a heartfelt tribute to both her organ donor, her transplant team at NewYork-Presbyterian, and her devoted parents, Jessica Chipkin-Klein of Jersey City celebrated the 20th anniversary of her lifesaving liver transplant by running side by side with her dad, David Chipkin of Kinnelon, in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, held this past weekend in New Providence. The emotional milestone comes just days ahead of Father’s Day, adding special significance to their shared accomplishment.
Jessica was a college student in 2005 when she was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes toxic copper buildup in the liver. Her health declined rapidly, and she was placed on the transplant waiting list with acute liver failure. On June 24, 2005, a matching liver became available just in time - a moment Jessica says gave her a second chance at life.
“To cross the finish line of NJ Sharing Network’s 5K with my dad, 20 years after nearly losing my life, was overwhelming,” said Jessica. “He was with me every step of the way through my illness, and this was our way of celebrating how far we’ve come together. Father’s Day will always hold deeper meaning for us. I wouldn’t be here without my donor, but I also wouldn’t have made it through the hardest days without my dad’s love and strength.”
Her father, David Chipkin, said he still remembers the fear and helplessness of watching his daughter fight for her life and the incredible relief and gratitude that came following her liver transplant.
“There are no words for what it means to see your child sick and not know what will happen next,” said David. “After her transplant, it felt like we could breathe again. Running the 5K with Jessica brought it all full circle. I’m so proud of the life she’s built with her husband Josh, and I’ll never stop being grateful to her organ donor and their family.”
Since her transplant, Jessica has built a life filled with gratitude, purpose, and passion. She earned a master’s degree in clinical social work, owned a successful business, and is now leading business operations at Kivu Bioscience, developing novel targeted oncology therapies, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Jessica is also a dedicated long-distance runner and avid adventurer. She completed her 8th marathon as a guide for Achilles International in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and she proudly time-qualified for the 2024 Boston Marathon. She is currently training for her 9th marathon, which she will run in Chicago this October.
“Running continues to be a metaphor for life itself, and running NJ Sharing Network’s 5K was much more than a race against time - it was in gratitude of the time I have. It was a thank you to my donor, a celebration of life, and a tribute to my father. One person’s decision gave me 20 years... and counting,”
Jessica hopes her story inspires others to register as organ and tissue donors.
On Sunday, June 8, thousands gathered in New Providence for NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, presented by RWJBarnabas Health. Now in its 15th year, the event brings together transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and healthcare partners to celebrate the power of organ and tissue donation. Funds raised support the Sharing Network Foundation, which helps advance clinical innovation, family support, and public education to increase the number of lives saved through donation and transplantation.
Currently, more than 100,000 people in the United States - including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey - are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others through tissue donation. To learn more or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION - David Chipkin of Kinnelon and Jessica Chipkin-Klein of Jersey City at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life in New Providence. (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)