On August 10, hundreds of local residents enjoyed a beautiful day at Vera Ames Park in Paterson during NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy and Move community event. Attendees of all ages enjoyed great music, health screenings, fitness programs and games while learning about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. NJ Sharing Network also distributed school supplies to K-12 students through its ‘Back-to-School Drive.’
Born and raised in Paterson, E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, is a double-lung transplant recipient who coordinates Live Healthy & Move events and promotes NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations and community associations. She understands the importance of raising awareness about the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
“Live Healthy & Move is just one of the ways our NJ Sharing Network team gives back and expresses our gratitude to our local communities. It is a wonderful opportunity for NJ Sharing Network’s team members, volunteers, and supporters to connect with local residents in our diverse communities throughout the Garden State. We were thrilled to bring this popular family event back to Paterson thanks to the generous support of our dedicated community partners,” said Peoples.
NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move event in Paterson took on additional meaning as August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month, a time to honor the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families, while also underscoring the critical need for people from diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors. In addition to NJ Sharing Network, several local organizations were on hand providing information and giveaways, including St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson Police Department and Ceasefire Unit, Paterson Fire Department, Green Acre Community Garden, Fidelity Chapter #16, Order of the Eastern Star, Public Housing Authority (PHA), National Diabetes Association, Rutgers Cancer Center, Fitness for Her, Bragg Funeral Home.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and 67% are people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.
“Within our communities of color, we have all experienced how health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure have impacted those around us – our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. That is why there is a greater need than ever for transplants among our ethnic minorities,” said Peoples.
NJ Sharing Network’s next Live Healthy & Move event is scheduled for August 24 in Vailsburg Park in Newark. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
