Dayton/South Brunswick Resident Samarth Mehta Celebrates 20 Years Since Lifesaving Kidney Transplant
DAYTON, NJ - Samarth Mehta, 32, of Dayton, NJ, recently commemorated the 20-year milestone since receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. His journey from battling IGA Nephritis and HSP at the tender age of 9 to founding and presiding over Aashray Charities Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with hospitalized children, is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and compassion.
Samarth now shares his story of hope to raise awareness for NJ Sharing Network and encourage people to register as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.
“I am forever grateful to my kidney donor and his family for this precious gift that has enabled me to live life to its fullest. I understand that, without their generosity, I would no longer be here,” said Samarth.
Born in India, Samarth immigrated to the United States at the age of two. He pursued his education at South Brunswick High School and George Washington University, where he studied Economics. As the founder and President of Aashray Charities Inc., Samarth's mission is deeply personal, inspired by his own experiences as a child battling illness and navigating the complexities of healthcare.
“I find the most joy in helping families who have been in similar situations to mine,” shares Samarth, highlighting his commitment to supporting others facing medical challenges through his work with Aashray Charities Inc.
Reflecting on his health journey, Samarth remembers the difficulties of undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy and high-dose steroids to combat his kidney condition. He also spent nearly three years on dialysis. Despite the challenges while waiting for a transplant, Samarth remained resilient, finding solace in the prospect of renewed health.
“On February 8, 2004, I finally got the call that a kidney was ready for me. Despite this amazing news, I was somewhat skeptical because I had received the same phone call twice before, but they were not perfect matches,” said Samarth.
As the old saying goes, ‘the third time was the charm’ for Samarth. The next day, he underwent a successful kidney transplant. The transplant not only restored Samarth’s health but transformed his life.
“I will never forget the incredible feeling that I had the first day I came home following my transplant. For the first time, I wasn’t out of breath or tired. I felt like I was weightless, completely unburdened,” said Samarth.
Samarth’s boundless gratitude extends to his donor, Ryan Mohn, a popular and well-loved 16-year-old high school student athlete from Steelton, PA, who passed away following a tragic car accident.
“My family and I share a very close relationship with the entire Mohn family. The Mohns started a foundation in Ryan’s name, and we have attended many charity events honoring Ryan’s legacy. We even attended Ryan’s younger sister’s wedding, and I have also met many of Ryan’s friends and neighbors. They have all become an extension of my family,” said Samarth. “I embrace the responsibility that I have to honor Ryan and do justice for what his life meant to so many people. Whether that means helping others, excelling at work, or simply honoring his legacy by living life with honesty and integrity.”
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a lifesaving transplant. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO (left-to-right) Pramod Mehta, Sudha Mehta, Bobbie Mohn, Samarth Mehta, Alison Mohn, and Cristen Mohn (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
About NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, NJ, is the federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. NJ Sharing Network partners with an extensive network of 54 local hospitals to provide hope for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and it is part of the national recovery system for the over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. For five consecutive years, NJ Sharing Network has reported organ donation records. NJ Sharing Network has also been recognized by NJBIZ for six consecutive years as one of the state’s ‘Best Places to Work.’ To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
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