Hillsborough Woman Celebrates the 10-Year Anniversary of Her Lifesaving Liver Transplant During National Liver Awareness Month

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Monday, October 27 2025 @ 07:41 am

(Hillsborough, NJ) – As we recognize National Liver Awareness Month this October, Elaine “Sissie” Welsh is reflecting on the 10 years since her lifesaving liver transplant and encouraging others to register as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives. On July 15, 2025, Elaine celebrated a decade of renewed life, a milestone made possible by the generosity of her organ donor.

“Every day is a blessing,” said Elaine. “I’m grateful for my organ donor and their family. Their selfless gift has given me years to celebrate life with my spouse, Linda (Johnson), and my loved ones. I want to honor my donor’s legacy by living life fully and inspiring others to understand the impact of organ and tissue donation.”

In 1987, Elaine was diagnosed with a hereditary liver condition that ran in her family, which eventually developed into a cancerous tumor, making a liver transplant essential to saving her life. In the years leading up to her transplant, she faced many health challenges, including extreme fatigue and frequent hospitalizations, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult while living with the uncertainty of whether a donor match would come in time.

Elaine also recalls her mother sharing stories of family members who had faced serious liver-related health issues - many of whom passed away before transplants were available. These experiences heightened her awareness of liver disease and strengthened her commitment to promoting liver health.

Reflecting on her successful liver transplant, Elaine vividly recalls waking from surgery and feeling an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude.

“The moment I opened my eyes, I knew my life had changed,” said Elaine. “I felt strong, hopeful, and ready to embrace each day. My recovery was surprisingly smooth, and I was back to enjoying life with my loved ones sooner than I ever imagined. I carry a deep appreciation for every single day, knowing how precious and fragile life can be.”

Since her transplant, Elaine participates in NJ Sharing Network’s community events and shares her story to raise awareness about liver health and the importance of organ and tissue donation.

“It’s so important to talk with your family about organ and tissue donation and make your wishes known,” said Elaine. “Having that conversation can make all the difference and ensure your generosity helps others if the time ever comes.”

Before her own transplant, Elaine witnessed the impact of organ donation from the donor family perspective. Her neighbor, 17-year-old Jared Colon, passed away in 2014, and his parents made the generous decision for Jared to save and enhance lives as an organ and tissue donor.

"Just weeks after my transplant, I attended a special tribute event honoring Jared at NJ Sharing Network. Being there and honoring his legacy made the meaning of organ donation feel so real and full circle for me," said Elaine.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans - including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans - are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. More than 9,000 adults and children in the U.S. are waiting specifically for a donor liver. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

PHOTO CAPTION - Elaine “Sissie” Welsh celebrates the 10-year anniversary of her lifesaving liver transplant with her spouse Linda Johnson. (PHOTO CREDIT – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

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 and is recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs). With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network was honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year and has been named one of New Jersey’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for eight consecutive years. To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.