Spring/Summer 2021
A PUBLICATION OF NJ SHARING NETWORK
Volume 12 Issue 2
ToHonor. ToRemember. To Give
“ In the midst of darkness,
light persists.”– Mahatma Gandhi
Joe’s Corner
I am always inspired by the tireless commitment of those who power our life-saving mission. Our team members, healthcare partners and dedicated volunteers have risen to the occasion to overcome unprecedented challenges. We can all take great pride in this spirit of caring for others that provides hope for a brighter future. And it is this sense of hope that drives us to save more lives in New Jersey. Throughout this issue of our Circle of Life magazine, you will see the common theme of HOPE in the stories of our donor families, recipients and those waiting for a life-saving transplant. The beautiful images from our NJ Sharing Network Meditation Garden in full bloom honor those who selflessly gave the gift of life. These amazing photos remind us that this is an uplifting time of year in the Garden State as we are energized to safely enjoy the great outdoors. We look ahead with a renewed spirit as we will begin to see each other in person for community events and activities. The reimagined Donate Life Transplant Games will be held July 16 through July 19, 2021, in a hybrid format featuring both online and in-person events. We are also gearing up for our 5K Celebration of Life on September 12. Be sure to stay connected with us on social media and our website for details on all of our upcoming events. Last year was a record-breaking year for organ donation in New Jersey, and we are on pace to save and enhance more lives than ever before in 2021! Through April, 225 lives have been saved thanks to successful organ transplants and hundreds more have had their health restored thanks to tissue donation. We are thankful for the generosity of our donors and their families, including Adam Gerver and his loving family who are featured in our cover story on page 4. We are also excited about the development of our new, on-campus Simulation Training Center. Please see inside this issue for more information on how this innovative training space will help our multidisciplinary team save and enhance more lives. Once again, I thank you for your ongoing support! Together, we will continue our journey and give hope to the nearly 4,000 people in New Jersey who are waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Joseph S. Roth President and CEO, NJ Sharing Network
HONOR THE GIFT AWARD For nearly 20 years, NJ Sharing Network’s President and CEO Joseph S. Roth and our supportive community had been tirelessly advocating to urge the U.S. Congress to pass the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (S. 3353 and H.R. 5534). On December 28, 2020, those dedicated efforts finally materialized as the “Immuno Bill” was officially passed. The new law allows kidney transplant recipients to maintain Medicare Part B coverage for immunosuppressive medications beyond the previous three-year limit, extending coverage for the lifetime of the transplanted kidney. On behalf of NJ Sharing Network, Roth recently accepted an award of recognition from Honor the Gift, a national patient-centered campaign dedicated to protecting kidney transplant patients and honoring the gift of kidney donation.
SAVING LIVES & SUPPORTING FAMILIES TOGETHER We thank our hospital partners for their efforts in saving lives through organ and tissue donation. By working together in collaboration, we were able to reach new heights last year.
2020
HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
MOST ORGANS RECOVERED
Thanks to the generosity of our organ donors, more organs were recovered at University Hospital than any other hospital resulting in 69 life-saving transplants.
A CULTURE OF GIVING
Kudos to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Cooper University Hospital— each had 23 organ donors, the highest amount in the state, showing the generosity of their patients and families.
TOPS IN TISSUE DONATION
Congratulations to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for leading the state with 45 tissue donors to enhance thousands of lives.
TO HONOR NJ Sharing Network and Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center paid tribute to Daniel “Danny” Anthony Mellaci during a flag-raising ceremony. Danny left a legacy of love through his gift of life. He will be remembered by his family, friends and co-workers for his years of community service as a Public Safety Telecommunicator with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and a volunteer firefighter in West Long Branch. “Danny was a hero who will forever remain in our hearts,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.
TO REMEMBER NJ Sharing Network recently lost one of its most passionate supporters with the passing of Denise Ely of Red Bank. In 1998, a successful liver transplant gave her a new lease on life. She moved on from a successful career on Wall Street to earn a nursing degree to care for patients. A well-recognized advocate for our life-saving mission, Denise appeared on radio and television and gave spirited presentations at hospitals, colleges and local businesses. She also spread the word in other exciting ways, like ringing the NASDAQ closing bell, competing in the 2019 New Jersey Senior American Pageant in Atlantic City, and ensuring the Empire State Building lights were turned blue and green during Donate Life Month. Denise shared at a community event, “My transplant was truly a miracle. I was given a whole new chance at life again, and you better believe I was determined to make the very best of it. I just wanted to give back."
TO GIVE HOPE
Adele Pullins of Union City is loved by her family and friends for her vibrant personality and caring spirit. But most people who meet Adele find it hard to believe that she is currently waiting for a life-saving heart transplant. In 2018, Adele experienced severe breathing issues that she thought was part of her bronchial asthma condition. Her loved ones rushed her to Jersey City Medical Center where the medical team determined that she was experiencing congestive heart failure due to cardiomyopathy. Adele was stabilized and referred to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center where the medical team successfully implanted a pacemaker, and Adele was placed on the waiting list for a h eart transplant. “The toughest part for me right now is accepting that I just can’t live the same way that I used to,” said Adele. “I only have enough energy to do one thing at a time now. Before, I was always on the go - working hard every day and rushing around to clean, cook, take walks and run errands.” While Adele’s heart condition may have taken away some of her stamina, she feels blessed to be alive and remains hopeful that her health will be restored someday soon through a donated heart and transplant surgery.
Circle of Life 1
Innovation
“
I always dreamed o f borrowing a hospital ICU when it is not in use to simulate patient scenarios and provide critical hands-on training for our clinical team. — Sharyn Sawczak RN, CPTC, CTBS, Director of Clinical Practice and Innovation
”
LOOKING SIMULATION TRAINING CENTER
TO THE
FUTURE Every life saved by organ transplant represents the successful execution of carefully choreographed steps involving the cooperation of NJ Sharing Network’s multidisciplinary team, partner hospitals and transplant centers, medical examiners and donor families. Every step of the process is absolutely critical. Improving clinical training, process efficiencies and time management is key in maximizing organ transplant outcomes to save and enhance more lives. To focus on these efforts, NJ Sharing Network has launched plans for the creation of a Simulation Training Center at its headquarters in New Providence. The Simulation Training Center, which is expected to open in 2022, will offer the most realistic simulator training possible. It will feature an intensive care unit (ICU) patient room equipped with a bed, monitors, ventilator, cardiac resuscitation equipment cart, tubes, IV poles, mock medications and fluids. The latest video technologies will also be included to provide enhanced replays and analysis for ongoing training. “Our Simulation Training Center will help prepare our clinical teams with the best, hands-on learning options available,” said Carolyn Welsh, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. “This training will allow us to respond to critical, real life experiences in the hospital setting and provide highly effective donor management.” Amazon recently showed its support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission by being the first philanthropic supporter for the Simulation Training Center. “Our partners at Amazon understand that, now more than ever, increasing the number of organs transplanted relies on quality donor management,” said Joseph S. Roth, President and CEO.
Sharyn Sawczak looks forward to developing and leading education programs in the new Simulation Training Center.
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To learn more about this exciting project and be a part of the future of organ donation and transplantation, contact our Foundation at 908-516-5566 or foundation@njsharingnetwork.org. Spring/Summer 2021
Let’s Get Social
Our social media pages continue to be flooded with amazing messages of hope and support! Encourage your family and friends to join us on social media. Help us reach our goal of 25,000 followers on Facebook!
WE ASKED... YOU ANSWERED Thank you for sharing your creative and touching comments.
HONORING OUR DONORS Your stories of courage give us all hope. As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Randall Giles spent his days saving lives. After his passing, he continued to be a life-saver as an organ donor.
“My husband Ed never knew that checking that box would help me to find comfort in his passing." —Myra S. Linda's Story
Nicole Izquiero, Surgical Recovery Specialist, honors her parents, who gave the gift of sight to others.
STORIES OF HOPE
Emma Rothman celebrates the 10-year anniversary of her heart transplant.
"20 years ago, my brother Tito (pictured left) gave me the gift of life when he donated his kidney to me.” — David S., Newark, NJ
Your inspiring stories celebrate the gift of life. Happy 10-year transplant anniversary to Sam Prince!
SPREADING THE WORD We are growing our wide circle of community supporters every day. #NationalGirlScoutDay
NJSharingNetwork.org
Circle of Life 3
Cover Story
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For the Love of Music... a Life! Spring/Summer 2021
Adam’s Gifts Bring Hope to Others Adam Gerver, 32, was truly one of a kind. He possessed seemingly limitless talent and always found joy in helping others. “Adam dreamed of saving lives – either by becoming a surgeon or through music,” said Howard (Howie) Gerver, Adam’s father. “As a little boy, he wanted to invent a musical chip to put under a person’s skin to help them heal and feel better. While he was never able to do that, he did ultimately save lives by being an organ donor.” At times, Adam’s many impressive achievements left others in awe. He was a talented musician who mastered five different instruments and was honored with an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He also taught himself how to play chess and quickly earned a 95th percentile national ranking after defeating opponents with decades of competitive experience. He was a former class president at Ramapo High School, an exceptional student who earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from Case Western Reserve University, and a skilled tennis player and golfer. In his spare time, he wowed his opponents in Scrabble, Words with Friends and Monopoly Deal. He also took great pride in his game-winning home run in 8th grade – which happened to be his only home run in youth baseball.
Saul and Stephanie Hochman share a joyous moment following Saul’s successful kidney transplant. “I am forever grateful to Adam and his family for their kindness and generosity and for giving me a second chance at life,” said Saul.
NJSharingNetwork.org
Circle of Life 5
The world lost a truly gifted young man when Adam tragically passed away this April. While it seemed like Adam could simply do it all, his family and friends will best remember him for his kindness and compassion for others. “He was caring and sensitive, and he always seemed to have insights and bold ideas,” said Julie Lefkowitz, Adam’s mother. “He enjoyed going out of his way for others – especially those who were most in need.” Rabbi Mendy Alevsky, the Chabad Rabbi at Case Western Reserve University, also remembered Adam for his ability to connect with others. “No matter where he would sit, he would strike up a conversation and make the younger students feel comfortable,” said Rabbi Alevsky. “He would take interest in what they were studying, and he would invariably share with them some of his chess escapades.” Howie has countless memories of his son’s giving spirit and special ability to put life in perspective, even at a very early age. “Adam was only in third grade when he grabbed my arm and told me to look
at the second hand on my watch as time ticked by,” said Howie. “He said ‘Dad, once that second hand goes by, you will never have a chance to relive that second to do it again. So you have to do your best to make every second matter in your life.’ ” Julie, Howie, Adam’s stepmom Judy and Adam’s sisters Jill and Jodi were proud of his desire to give the gift of life to others, and his lifesaving donations included kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. “When he checked the box to be an organ donor, I know that he meant it with all of his heart,” said Julie. “He told me about it when he got home that day from getting his license. It was clearly something that he thought about and wanted to do to help others. That’s just the kind of person he was.” During his final days, the NJ Sharing Network team worked to locate and match Adam with recipients, including one who shared their Jewish faith. “We are thankful for the amazing teams at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, NJ Sharing Network and all of our area hospitals for the
Adam and his father get set to tee off for a day of golf.
Adam enjoying an evening with his mother and sisters.
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Spring/Summer 2021
magical work that they do every day,” said Howie. “Amy Keefe and Ria Zanetich of NJ Sharing Network made sure that Adam did not die in vain. They made an extremely difficult process much easier for me and my family. They were supportive, informative, friendly and empathetic. Adam would have been very happy to know that he saved lives.” Amy Keefe, Manager of Donation Services, recalls working with the family to honor their wishes. “During their darkest moment, Adam’s family knew that they wanted his legacy to live on,” said Amy. “He was meant to be a hero to others, and we were happy to help the family navigate through the donation process.” “All of our patients and families hold a special place in our hearts,” said, Md Huda, RN, Intensive Care Unit Nurse at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. “We were honored to care for Adam during his final days and to get to know his beautiful family and friends who brought hope and life to others through donation.” Adam’s selfless decision was music to the ears of Saul Hochman of Woodbridge, Connecticut. Saul, a devoted husband and father who works
as a chiropractor and an EMT, had been suffering with kidney disease for more than three years. Following his successful kidney transplant, Saul is now feeling better each day and he looks forward to enjoying many years ahead with his family, and he hopes to one day become a grandfather. “I am forever grateful to Adam and his family for their kindness and generosity and for giving me a second chance at life,” said Saul. “Adam was an exceptional young man with so much promise. He was tragically taken away from his beloved family. I am optimistic that, with Adam’s kidney, I will be able to commit to social causes and support those in need to continue Adam’s legacy.” As for Adam’s home run tally, longtime family friend Rabbi Chanoch Kaplan of Chabad Northwest Bergen County raises some debate that Adam may have actually had two in his lifetime. “While Adam was alive, he thought he only had one winning home run, but the truth is his entire life was a home run which culminated in the final act of giving life to others,” said Rabbi Kaplan.
ALL FOUR BRANCHES OF JUDAISM SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE DONATION. The greatest mitzvah, the greatest good you can do, is to save someone else’s life. If one is in the position to donate an organ to save another’s life, it’s obligatory to do so, even if the donor never knows who the beneficiary will be. The basic principle of Jewish ethics, ‘the infinite worth of the human being,’ includes donation.
“
”
—The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJSharingNetwork.org. Be sure to have a conversation with your family and friends about your decision.
NJSharingNetwork.org
HOPE AND HEALING FOR FAMILIES Sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun. In other words, they “chase the light.” But on cloudy and rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds, they actually turn towards each other to share their energy. Let’s learn from nature and apply this reflection to our lives. Many people may become low-spirited, and the most vulnerable ones, sometimes, become depressed. By following the example of the beautiful sunflowers, we can support and provide hope to each other on those cloudy and gloomy days.
QUILTS OF LOVE One of NJ Sharing Network’s most heartwarming donor tributes is the Quilts of Love program. Donor families have created more than 700 quilt squares to honor the legacy of their loved ones. Each quilt square tells its own unique and touching story of life and love. Some include photos, others have symbols of favorite hobbies, careers, heritage and faith. The individual quilt squares are woven together to create larger quilts to serve as visual reminders of the many lives touched by donation and transplantation. When not on display in our communities, the quilts are housed in our headquarters for staff and guests to admire. For more information about participation in the Quilts of Love program, visit NJSharingNetwork.org/ quilts-of-love.
COPING WITH GRIEF In their time of sorrow, donors and their families gave the gift of life to others in need. While we cannot take away the pain of their loss, we hope to provide services that will promote healing during the difficult journey that lies ahead. For more information, visit NJSharingNetwork.org/family-services.
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In the Community
Community outreach and education play a critical role in NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission. Be sure to stay connected with us on social media and our website for details on our in-person and virtual events.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH Celebrated in April, National Donate Life Month is the perfect time to rally around the importance of organ and tissue donation. This year, thousands of NJ Sharing Network’s volunteers and community partners shared our life-saving message using online platforms and community activities.
NJ Sharing Network offers many ways for local youth to get involved in donor advocacy both in school and outside of the classroom. Popular activities include creative fundraisers, developing informational videos and social media campaigns, and organizing
“I proudly call myself a ‘math nerd,’ but I’ve learned that whatever passions you have, you can find unique ways to combine them for the good of the world to help others,” said Anshul. panel discussions and Donate Life Clubs. For more information, email our staff at education@ njsharingnetwork.org Anshul Guha, a senior at Montgomery High School, created Countdown, his own tutoring service, and has taught dozens of local children during the past few years. Anshul has contributed all of his Countdown tutoring proceeds to support our Foundation. To date, Anshul has raised $10,000!
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NATIONAL ORGAN DONOR DAY February 14 was all about sharing some love in New Jersey – and not just because it was Valentine’s Day! NJ Sharing Network’s many healthcare partners and volunteers worked together to increase new donor registrations during National Organ Donor Day.
Spring/Summer 2021
Raising Funds & Awareness
Over the years, 600+ teams have joined the 5K. We proudly salute the following 5K Teams who have been with us since the beginning and all 10 years.
5K CELEBRATION OF LIFE GIVES HOPE!
B
that does so much to abies always keep his memory alive. seem to bring She will surely learn about joy and hope… When you put on that green bracelet, his giving spirit.” the joy of new In addition to the 5K birth and the hope for you never know who you are going to team, Jane serves as an brighter tomorrows. This meet and they will have their officer of our Foundation sentiment rings true for Board of Trustees. Jane Team Buck as they get own story to share.” and Amy both shared a ready for this year’s 5K strong desire to continue Celebration of Life. a connection with NJ When Jane Sharing Network after Buckiewicz, mother Dan saved the lives to organ donor Dan, of three people and looks at her new enhanced the lives of 70 granddaughter, Nora, more through his organ she sees all of life’s and tissue donation. great possibilities and They say they could even a little bit of her never imagine what it late son in Nora’s facial would be like to lose expressions. After Dan someone so loved, especially at such a passed away in 2009, Jane never imagined she young age, and to NOT have the solace could feel this level of happiness again. Now, that organ donation brings. she is eternally grateful to her daughter, Amy, and her son-in-law, Vinnie, for bringing new Banded Together life and happy experiences for the family. As donation advocates, the entire family proudly wears the green Donate Meet Team Buck’s Newest Member Life bracelets. It was the bracelets that Eleanor “Nora” Paige Buddle, born on January originally helped connect Amy and Vincent when 19, is officially the newest (and youngest) member of they saw each other for the very first time. Amy wears Team Buck. Led by team captain Amy, Team Buck is the band in Dan’s memory while Vincent honors his one of our top 5K teams and has continually grown father, Dr. Patrick Buddle, who is a living kidney donor. its membership since it formed for the first-ever 5K Now, the proud parents say the best advice they will event 10 years ago. tell Nora is: “When you put on that green bracelet, “They have been energized to support us since you never know who you are going to meet and they the very beginning,” said Amanda Tibok, Assistant will have their own story to share.” Director of our Foundation. “Although Nora will never meet her Uncle Dan, she is a part of a loving family
Thank you for your generous support! Team 360 All in Faith Team Andrew Betsy’s Dash Breathin’ Ezy Team Buck Team Courtney DaVita Stars Team DQ Team Evan Team Fes Team Geffner Team Greta Hearts for Emma I Am DROZD Just Do It in Celebration of Joe D’Addio Team Kevin Gilbert Live Like BJ Team Maryann Team Meola One Love for Brian Bernstein Team RCP Team SCK Second Chance Team Tinman Val’s Pals Wakefern Runners Team Will Ganter All new teams and participants are welcome! Sign up at NJSharingNetwork.org/5K and join us!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 NJ SHARING NETWORK HEADQUARTERS NEW PROVIDENCE, NEW JERSEY 5K WALK & USATF CERTIFIED RACE 7:30AM EVENT BEGINS 8:30AM RACE | 10:00AM WALK
SIGN UP TODAY! JAYLA'S JOURNEY honors Jayla, who has kidney dysplasia and cystic disease and will one day need a transplant.
NJSharingNetwork.org/5K
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage
691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 800-742-7365 • 908-516-5400 NJSharingNetwork.org
WHO WE ARE
PAID Union, NJ
Permit No. 931
NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation, and is part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the 110,000 people on waiting lists. NJ Sharing Network is a designated OPO by UNOS; accredited by AOPO, ASHI, AATB and CAP; and registered with the FDA and NJ and NY State DOH. NJ Sharing Network is a member of Community Health Charities.
PEER CONNECTIONS PROVIDE SUPPORT WHEN NEEDED MOST mentor sharing her personal experiences with dialysis patients. Dorothea was a dialysis patient for nearly four years after her kidneys failed due to an autoimmune disorder. Since her successful kidney transplant in 2014, she has lived a healthy and active lifestyle and has found a purpose in giving hope to those waiting for or considering a transplant. Current dialysis patients, including Rita McCann of Newark explains, “I have been on dialysis for two years and this had been a very difficult journey. I was able to ask many questions about transplantation and speaking with Dorothea gave me hope because she went through a lot of the same issues that I am facing right now.”
Patients living with chronic kidney disease face daily struggles that impact their quality of life. In addition to rigorous dialysis treatment to help battle serious health concerns, they face emotional stresses that can often be overwhelming. While healthcare providers, family and friends are all positive support systems, patients often find the best comfort and understanding when speaking with others who have faced similar struggles. NJ Sharing Network’s Transplant Peer Connection Program links dialysis patients with kidney transplant recipients who provide education and support to help them cope and manage their own health decisions. Dorothea Duffy of Lincoln Park, NJ, serves as a peer
For more information about the Transplant Peer Connection Program, email education@njsharingnetwork.org.
THE POWER OF ONE
GIVE HOPE!
Register as an organ and tissue donor and help save lives!
One sunflower seed has the potential to bloom, grow and create countless other seeds. So too does the gift of life — through one organ and tissue donation. One person has the power to save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.
BE THE POWER OF ONE!
Join the National Donate Life Registry at www.RegisterMe.org or through the iPhone Health App or register in person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency.
CONNECT WITH US
Question or comments? Reach out to editor@NJSharingNetwork.org If you receive multiple magazines and would only like one or if you no longer wish to receive information from NJ Sharing Network, please call 908-516-5400.
