February 14 is National Organ Donor Day

Posted on by Dan DiBella Posted in New Providence News, Our Publications
(above, l-r) The late Linda J.S. Finnegan (Smith), 54, of Stirling, NJ, who passed away in 2016, donated both her lungs, both kidneys, her liver, and her other organs through NJ Sharing Network. She also donated her corneas through Eversight. Her gift of life changed the lives of at least 75 people. Linda taught Physical Education at St. Vincent de Paul School in Stirling and was proud to be ACE Gold Certified for Group Aerobic Instruction. On June 27, 2017, Mathew Pribish, a Linden Firefighter, received a heart transplant. He shared his story to help raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. The late Caitlin Nelson, 20, of Clark, gave the gift of life by donating her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. She also donated over 200 bone and tissue grafts. Her gifts have already helped 50 people. Cranford’s Emma Rothman Celebrated 10 Years with Heart Transplant in 2021.

National Organ Donor Day

NJ Sharing Network

February 14 is all about sharing some love in New Jersey – and not just because it’s Valentine’s Day! NJ Sharing Network and its many healthcare partners and volunteers throughout the state are working together to register as many organ and tissue donors as possible in celebration of National Organ Donor Day.

“National Organ Donor Day is about taking action and inspiring others to learn more about how they can save lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Joseph S. Roth, president and chief executive officer of NJ Sharing Network. “One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and restore health to over 75 people. I am confident that everyone’s efforts on National Organ Donor Day will go a long way toward bringing hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”

Currently, there are over 110,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving 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 easy for New Jerseyans to register in any of the following options:

Online at NJSharingNetwork.org; Through the iPhone Health App; In person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency

Observed every year on February 14, National Organ Donor Day is dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ and tissue donation. It is also a day to recognize loved ones who have given the gift of life, have received a transplant, are currently waiting or did not receive an organ in time. National Organ Donor Day was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its United Auto Workers partner with the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and many non-profit health organizations.

Photos courtesy NJ Sharing Network

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