On January 1, 2019 Berkeley Heights resident Jim Rhatican served as a float rider honoree at the 2019 Donate Life Rose Parade Float held in Pasadena, CA. He joined approximately 70 honorees who have been touched by organ, eye and tissue donations, they rode or walked beside the float.
Jim is a liver recipient who flew to Pasadena on the day of his 10th transplant anniversary. The Donate Life Rose Parade Float serves as a memorial to organ and tissue donors and a platform for donor families, living donors and transplant recipients to inspire the world to save and heal those in need through the gift of life.
Jim was sponsored by the NJ Sharing Network, located in New Providence, NJ. The NJ Sharing Network annually sponsors about 2-3 families to participate on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, and they hold send-off events to honor them. On Monday, November 26, 2018 they held an event to honor Jim at their office.
A retired teacher, Jim got involved with NJ Sharing Network’s High School Program and has spoken to hundreds of students about the importance of organ and tissue donation. He has also told his story at health fairs and to doctors, nurses and other hospital staff throughout New Jersey. His 5K Celebration of Life team, The Rhat Pack, has participated in the annual event since 2012. Jim says that he is continuously moved by students, teachers and parents who tell him their stories and thank him for his communications efforts.
About the NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently awaiting transplantation. We are also part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the 115,000 people on the national waiting list.
We operate 24/7/365 with a team of over 150 highly trained and dedicated members on staff. Our Governing and Foundation Boards are made up of a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, across a variety of disciplines, and many of whom have been touched by donation including donor families and recipients. They bring great experience and insight to the important and life-saving work that we do.
For more information visit njsharingnetwork.org.
(above) Jim Rhatican send off event.
