Local NJ Family Honors Daughter’s Legacy During National Kidney Month
(New Milford, NJ) – March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the critical need for lifesaving organ donation. According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease is a growing public health crisis, affecting an estimated 37 million people in the United States - nearly 1 in 7 adults. With almost 90,000 Americans currently waiting for a kidney transplant, the demand for organ donors has never been greater.
During National Kidney Month, NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for organ and tissue recovery in New Jersey, honors the memory of all organ and tissue donors.
One local family knows firsthand the power of organ donation. In the heart of New Milford, NJ, Zoey Komninos - a spirited and beloved young girl - left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met. Despite facing a lifelong battle with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, Zoey radiated joy, using her infectious smile and adaptive communication switch device to express herself.
Born to Melanie and Jimmy Komninos, Zoey brought immense love and happiness into their lives, along with her older sister Hailey and younger brother Dimitri.
“Zoey had plenty of spunk and a sassy personality. She was never shy about showing us how she felt,” said Melanie. “She loved music and was always fascinated when listening to others tell stories. Her love for life always shone through, even during the many times she was hospitalized.”
In December 2021, Zoey tragically passed away at the age of 16. Amidst their immeasurable grief, the Komninos family made the selfless decision to honor Zoey’s legacy by donating her organs and tissue. Thanks to their generosity, Zoey’s kidneys, corneas, and tissue have saved and enhanced the lives of many, embodying her spirit of kindness and giving.
“Throughout Zoey’s life, she inspired so many people. Our entire family agreed that if Zoey could tell us what she wanted to do, she would never hesitate to give the gift of life to help others,” said Melanie. “We are extremely grateful for the compassionate care we received from NJ Sharing Network and Hackensack University Medical Center. They provided us with support and comfort when we needed it most.”
The Komninos family now proudly advocates for organ and tissue donation, sharing Zoey’s story during National Kidney Month and throughout the year to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors.
“Zoey’s journey may have ended, but her love and courageous spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew her,” said Melanie. “We hope that Zoey’s story inspires people to register as organ and tissue donors to give others a second chance at life.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with nearly 4,000 of them in New Jersey. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. However, the opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare - less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors. To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION
Komninos family members and loved ones attended a special flag raising ceremony held on the campus of Hackensack University Medical Center to honor Zoey Komninos’ legacy as an organ and tissue donor. (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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