Upper Saddle River Resident Celebrates Heart Transplant Anniversary During NJ Sharing Network’s 5K

On September 12, thousands of walkers, runners and volunteers participated in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race at the organization’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ.

The event, which was presented by Hackensack Meridian Health and Pfizer and supported by dozens of other generous sponsors, honored those who gave the gift of organ and tissue, paid tribute to those who have received a transplant, offered hope to those currently waiting for a transplant and remembered the lives lost while waiting for the gift of life.

Family members and friends of Michael Rizzo of Upper Saddle River, NJ, gathered together to form “The Beat Lives On” 5K team to celebrate with Michael and show their support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission. This upcoming November will be five years since Michael received a life-saving heart transplant.

“I am forever grateful to my organ donor for giving me the gift of life,” said Michael. “I encourage everyone to register as an organ and tissue donor to help save and enhance lives.”

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

About NJ Sharing Network

Dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation, NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization, selected by NJBIZ as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the fourth consecutive year, is also part of the national recovery system, serving the 110,000 people on the national waiting list. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.