The Arthur L. Johnson Scrub Club, a “PreMed” class for students interested in the medical field, in collaboration with the NJ Sharing Network held an assembly for all high school students on May 23, 2018 in recognition of their 2nd annual Organ Donation Awareness Day. Several speakers explained the importance of organ donation.
The club’s advisor, Bernadette Jacobi, began the assembly by thanking the speakers and commending the club for organizing the event.The Scrub Club dedicated this event in memory of Caitlin Nelson, a 2014 ALJ graduate whose life was cut short last April in an accident. Other speakers included ALJ student Kayla Dias and Brooke Hartrum from the NJ Sharing Network.
Anne Nelson, Clark resident, also spoke about the importance of organ donation through sharing her sister Caitlin’s story. Described as the “ultimate act of kindness,” Caitlin donated her organs to help others. One of those people was Sonia Carlin, Cait’s lung recipient, who spoke about the gratitude she felt towards Caitlin referring to her as “her angel.” Caitlin’s mom, Rosanne Nelson, and Cait’s best friend, Jackie Stankwich, were also in attendance to show their support.
Jacobi stated, “I am still so moved by the events of our day, the words that were spoken, the deep-down strength in our guest speakers today, the attentiveness of the kids, the help of my colleagues, and the amazing job my PreMedders did in preparing for such a powerful and moving presentation.”
For more information about the NJ Sharing Network, please visit this link: https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/
(above) Jackie Stankwich (Cait Nelson’s best friend), Bernadette Jacobi (Scrub Club Advisor), Annie Nelson (Cait’s sister), Rosanne Nelson (Cait’s mom), Sonia Carlen (Cait’s lung recipient), and Brooke Hartrum of the Sharing Network.
(above) Jackie Stankwich (Cait Nelson’s best friend), Bernadette Jacobi (Scrub Club Advisor), Annie Nelson (Cait’s sister), Rosanne Nelson (Cait’s mom), Sonia Carlen (Cait’s lung recipient), and Brooke Hartrum of the Sharing Network, Matt Gallo (ALJ Alumni), Chris Jimenez (in the heart costume), Kayla Knorowski, Lilianne Ameral, Kaitlyn Hogan, Matt Vigliotti, Will Shaughnessy and Ryan Rutano.
