New Jerseyans Come Together on October 7 to Give Hope to Those Waiting for a Life-Saving Transplant

New Providence, NJ - On October 7, NJ Sharing Network is launching an online social media campaign to raise awareness and register as many organ and tissue donors as possible in celebration of Organ Donor Enrollment Day. Currently, there are 110,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

“Every community needs heroes. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people,” said Joseph S. Roth, President and Chief Executive Officer, NJ Sharing Network. “Organ Donor Enrollment Day is about taking action and inspiring others to learn more about how they can save lives through organ and tissue donation. I am confident that everyone’s efforts on Organ Donor Enrollment Day will bring hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”

In New Jersey, one person dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. New Jersey’s organ and tissue donor registrations continue to rise thanks to strong community education and outreach efforts as well as simplified ways to register as an organ and tissue donor are also helping to save more lives. It is now easier than ever for New Jerseyans to register in any of the following options:

•                    Online at www.NJSharingNetwork.org

•                    Through the iPhone Health App

•                    In person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency

Another key component of Organ Donor Enrollment Day is encouraging those who register to have a conversation with their family and friends about their decision to donate.

“Donation provides comfort and healing to so many families after losing a loved one. It is so important to talk to your family and share your decision about organ donation so your gift is honored,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, NJ Sharing Network.

Organ Donor Enrollment Day is deeply personal for NJ Sharing Network’s thousands of partners, advocates and volunteers who are motivated to save and enhance the lives of those in need. Jim Fiola, 73, of Branchville, NJ, is just one example. Jim and his wife, Kim, are recognized by their many neighbors for their healthy and active lifestyles. However, most people who meet Jim would never imagine that he recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant.

In 1998, Jim faced serious health issues that prevented him from working. He had trouble getting out of bed as multiple systems were failing inside of his body. According to Jim, doctors believed that Jim only had about 30 to 60 days left before I would have been too sick to even receive a transplant. Fortunately, Jim received “the call” that a liver was available for his transplant. On March 1, 2001, Jim’s life-saving liver transplant surgery was a success thanks to his organ donor and the medical team at University Hospital in Newark.

“My transplant journey seems like it began so long ago, but I am now reflecting on it and feeling thankful beyond words,” said Jim. “I got to see my grandchildren grow up – from running and chasing them as little kids to seeing them all go to college. All of those things would not have happened if it wasn’t for my organ donor. Without organ donors, people like me would not be around to celebrate life. That’s why I am proud to support NJ Sharing Network to educate others about the power of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.”

About NJ Sharing Network

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