NJ Sharing Network

11/05/2025

Our Foundation was thrilled to support RWJBarnabas Health this weekend at their annual Running with the Devils event to help celebrate wellness and build healthier communities across New Jersey.

Our dedicated volunteers hosted an information table to share our lifesaving mission with event participants and families. We love coming together with our partners in our shared mission to save lives! 💙💚

11/05/2025

"My son RJ dedicated his life to saving others by climbing the ranks in his 22 short years of life to 2nd Lieutenant of Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department - Enterprise Hook & Ladder Co., Inc.

He always honored his grandfather, who was also a donor, by wearing the green bracelets, as a piece of him always with RJ. He repaid the same donation that meant so much to him, LIFE!

RJ made a HUGE impact in this world that will forever go on, because of his need to save others and always make the best out of every situation, with his one of a kind personality.

He is and will always be honored, loved, and beyond missed."

—Heidi O., mother of donor RJ

Register as an organ and tissue donor today at NJSharingNetwork.org/Register 💙💚

11/04/2025

Colleen Bente's giving spirit came full circle in a way no one in her family expected. In 2006, Colleen became a liver transplant recipient, a gift that extended her life and allowed her to watch her granddaughter grow. But even more astonishing, Colleen gave the gift of sight as an eye donor when she passed away in May 2023.

Read about Colleen's incredible journey as both organ recipient and eye donor: https://eversight.ws/3BxUrEL.

Thank you Eversight for this amazing story💙💚

11/03/2025

Our Foundation is excited to announce that the 2026 High School Scholarship application is now live! 🎓

Multiple scholarships are available to students that meet the following criteria:
✔ New Jersey Resident
✔ NJ high school senior entering college in fall 2026
✔ Advocate or have a connection to organ and tissue donation
✔ In good academic standing

Apply today at SharingNetworkFoundation.org/Scholarship! Application deadline is March 2, 2026.💙💚

For schools: scholarship posters are available for display. We’re also happy to offer educational programs on organ and tissue donation. For more information, please contact us at education@njsharingnetwork.org.

11/02/2025

Wishing the best of luck to liver transplant recipient Jessica Chipkin as she runs her 10th marathon today at the TCS New York City Marathon!

In 2005, Jessica was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease and faced acute liver failure. Thanks to the gift of life from a donor, she received a lifesaving transplant on June 24, 2005—a second chance that makes moments like today possible.

Jessica continues to inspire others by running marathons around the world and proudly participating in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life.

10/31/2025

Our own Kim Slaton brought our lifesaving message of hope and life to participants at the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. Thank you to Kim Slaton for sharing this beautiful moment.💙💚💗

10/30/2025

In honor of Día de los Mu***os celebrated on November 1 and 2, we’ve created a special memorial altar at our headquarters to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have passed.

Thank you to all who submitted photos of your loved ones to be displayed on our altar. To view all photo tributes and read their stories, visit https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/ddlm/ 💙💚

***os

10/30/2025

We are saddened by the passing of former NY Jets player Nick Mangold. Nick was not just a football legend. He was tragically one of the 13 people who lose their lives each day while waiting for a lifesaving transplant. In New Jersey alone, nearly 4,000 people are still holding onto hope for that second chance.

Nick’s story is a reminder that behind every life lost is a family, a community, and a future cut too short. You can be the hope for all those still waiting by registering as an organ and tissue donor today at www.NJSharingNetwork.org/register.

Chairman Woody Johnson: No. 74, Celebrated Center, Player and Team Ambassador, 'Will Forever Be a Jet'

10/29/2025

This October, during National Liver Awareness Month, we honor Elaine “Sissie” Welsh who recently celebrated 10 years since her lifesaving liver transplant!

Elaine’s journey began with a hereditary liver condition and led to a lifesaving transplant made possible by the generosity of her organ donor.

“Every day is a blessing,” said Elaine. “I’m grateful for my organ donor and their family. Their selfless gift has given me years to celebrate life with my spouse, Linda, and my loved ones. I want to honor my donor’s legacy by living life fully and inspiring others to understand the impact of organ and tissue donation.”

Since her transplant, Elaine participates in NJ Sharing Network’s community events and shares her story to raise awareness about liver health and the importance of organ and tissue donation.

“It’s so important to talk with your family about organ and tissue donation and make your wishes known,” said Elaine. “Having that conversation can make all the difference and ensure your generosity helps others if the time ever comes.”

Register as an organ and tissue donor at NJSharingNetwork.org/Register

10/26/2025

"Our precious little angel, Icis, passed away at just 7 years old. Through the generous gifts she gave, she saved seven lives — seven families were given a second chance because of her.

To me, donation means giving someone else that chance at life. No family should have to experience the pain of losing someone they love when there’s an opportunity to save another life — whether it’s a child, a husband, or a parent. Registering as an organ and tissue donor is one of the most selfless gifts you can give."

— Danielle Abukhdair, mother of donor Icis 💚💙

10/25/2025

We were deeply saddened by the passing last month of longtime Hillsborough resident Richard ‘Rich’ Schaefer, a true inspiration whose life embodied the power of organ donation.

Rich received a lifesaving kidney transplant in 1985 after being diagnosed with a rare disease at just 18 years old. That extraordinary gift gave him 40 remarkable years filled with love, family, and purpose. Because of his kidney donor, Rich enjoyed 42 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Zahava, watched his children grow, and celebrated the joys of being a grandfather.

Rich built a successful career in the computer field and generously gave back as a volunteer with NJ Sharing Network and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, offering hope and support to others awaiting transplants.

We honor Rich’s legacy and the life he lived because of one selfless donor. His story reminds us that every decision to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation can create a lifetime of possibilities for others.

10/24/2025

Join us for the New Providence Business’s Inaugural Fallfest Pioneer Day on Sunday, October 26, from 11 AM to 5 PM!

We’re proud to be sharing our lifesaving message as a proud sponsor of this fun-filled community event. If you’re attending, please be sure to stop by our table to say hi! 💙💚