For the Love of Music and Life

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Adam enjoying an evening with his mother and sisters.

Adam and his father get set to tee off for a day of golf.