April is
National Donate Life Month

Organ and Tissue Donors are SuperStars

Did you know that April is one of the best times of the year to stargaze?

This April, we invite you to look up to the night sky and the billions of stars that make up the universe. Stars remind us that even in the darkest night, there is light.

Your decision to be an organ and tissue donor gives hope and light to the 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, including 4,000 people right here in NJ, who are waiting for a second chance at life. That’s why donors are superstars.

This National Donate Life Month, join us in helping to save and enhance lives: register as an organ and tissue donor and help spread the word about the miracle of organ and tissue donation.

“Not only do we live among the stars, the stars live within us.” –Neil deGrasse Tyson

Important Donation Awareness Days

Donate Life Living Donor Day
April 3, 2024

Donate Life Living Donor Day is a celebration to honor living organ donors for saving and healing lives! In 2023, more than 6,900 transplants were made possible by living donors. Thank you to all living donors for your remarkable generosity!

Get involved by sharing social media graphics (scroll down to social media section) on April 3 and by learning more about living donation!

Blue & Green Spirit Week
Begins April 6, 2024

Get in the spirit and join us on our social media pages for an entire week of celebrations. We’ll recognize the donors, volunteers and healthcare heroes who make second chances possible as we encourage others to give hope to those who are waiting by registering as organ and tissue donors.

National Donate Life Blue and Green Day
Friday, April 12, 2024

Join the national celebration in support of organ and tissue donation by wearing blue & green!

Post your blue & green photos on bulletin boards, newsletters and social media to spread awareness and be sure to send us your pictures at socialmedia@njsharingnetwork.org. Use hashtags #BlueandGreenDay #NDLM and tag us on Facebook and Instagram @NJSharingNetwork.

Hackensack Meridian Health and NJ Sharing Network Donate Life Month Event at American Dream - Court A Dream Stage
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Join us at American Dream Mall in Court A, Level 1 at 5:30pm for a panel discussion in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, emceed by Danielle Monaro (Z100) and celebrating the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Panelists include NJ Sharing Network President and CEO Carolyn M. Welsh, medical experts including Dr. Michael Goldstein, director of abdominal transplant at Hackensack University Medical Center, and Dr. David Serur, medical director of renal transplant at Hackensack University Medical Center. You will also hear personal stories from transplant recipients and a donor family member.

Attendees will enjoy a musical performance by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber and the Midland Park High School band. Registration is NOT required.

Grief Support Workshops
Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 10:00am - 11:00am
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Join us on ZOOM for a Grief Support Workshop presented by NJSN Manager of Family Services Jacqueline Salvatore, LSW MSW to learn about the importance of self-care and how it can bring you feelings of peace, joy and love amidst the chaos of daily life. Sign up today.

Donor Remembrance Day
April 30, 2024

April 30 is national Donor Remembrance Day, a day to come together to honor and celebrate donor heroes who have given the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The forget-me-not flower is a symbol of Donor Heroes and a reminder that their courageous gift will always be remembered. Visit the National Donor Hero Remembrance Garden on the AOPO website today to “plant” a forget-me-not flower in honor of your Donor Hero, and then share your Donor Hero's story on April 30 using #DonorRemembranceDay.

NMDP Bone Marrow Drive
April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024

Throughout the month of April, we are partnering with our friends at the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be The Match) to encourage people to register as bone marrow donors. Learn more and register as a Bone Marrow donor today.

Request a Donate Life Month materials

Host an informative table display at your favorite place in town, i.e., your public library or restaurant. Share our table tents and flyers at places you frequent, pizzeria, coffee shop. Click the link below to request materials!

Donate Life Month Material Requests

Request a Donate Life Month Proclamation in your town

Raise awareness for organ and tissue donation in your local community by requesting a Donate Life Month proclamation. Click below for details!

Here is a Sample Proclamation
FAQ - Requesting a Proclamation

Register as an organ and tissue donor

Celebrate National Donate Life Month by registering as an organ and tissue donor and sharing your decision with friends and family.

Share your story

As a donor family member, living donor, transplant recipient, patient waiting or volunteer, your experience is special. Share your story to bring hope to the thousands of people currently waiting for a life-saving transplant and help provide healing to others going through the donation or transplant journey. Your story can help save lives by inspiring people to register as an organ and tissue donor.