February 14 is a day for sharing the love in New Jersey – not just because it’s Valentine’s Day, but also because it marks National Donor Day, a time dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ and tissue donation.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with nearly 4,000 of them in New Jersey. One deceased organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. However, the opportunity to give the gift of life is extremely rare – not everyone who registers as a donor is able to donate after they pass away. In fact, less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to be an organ donor. This underscores the pressing need for more registered donors.
NJ Sharing Network and its local hospital partners are committed to raising awareness by sharing the incredible stories of those touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
“Every story is a testament to the generosity of organ and tissue donors and the renewed hope they bring to those in need,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “We honor the legacies of our selfless donors to inspire more people to register as donors and bring comfort to families who have given the ultimate gift.”
A Local Story of Hope and Love
Lisa Vecchione of Springfield, NJ, felt her life slipping away. Ten years of struggling with a failing heart had left her weak and desperate for a miracle. On June 20, 2022, Lisa’s prayers were answered in the form of a selfless act of an organ donor — a new heart, beating with the promise of life.
The donated heart belonged to Michael J. Canada, a father of three from Woburn, Massachusetts, whose untimely passing gave Lisa a second chance to live. But what Lisa didn’t expect was how her life would intertwine with Michael’s loving family in the most beautiful way.
Michael was a man who filled every room with his warmth and charisma. Known for his love of conversation and connection, he had a way of making everyone feel seen. His mother, Jessica Canada, fondly recalled how their family would often be late to events and activities because Michael simply couldn’t stop talking to people and making friends.
“After meeting Michael for the first time, you became his friend for life within five minutes,” said Jessica. “He was always so upbeat and the kind of person who would do anything to help others.”
Michael was also well-known in his community as a skilled barber, who would volunteer his time cutting hair for children in the neighborhood who were unable to afford a haircut. He felt tremendous satisfaction seeing the biggest smiles on their faces when they saw the finished product.
“Michael was a champion for the underdog,” said Joan Bello, Michael’s grandmother. “He delivered many meals to the homeless in the Lowell and the Boston area. There was rarely a person Michael met who he didn’t help in some way.”
During Michael’s final days in the hospital, his family made the decision for Michael to give the gift of life to others as an organ donor, a fitting tribute and reflection of his generous spirit. Through his gifts, not only was Lisa given a new heart, but his kidneys also went on to save the lives of two men.
For his family, knowing that Michael’s life was continuing to help others brought a measure of solace. Yet, the true depth of healing came during an extraordinary meeting in NJ Sharing Network’s Meditation Garden — a place dedicated to honoring donors and celebrating life.
When Lisa met Jessica, Jaliesa Andrade, and Michael’s two daughters, Audriana and Aaliyah, the connection was immediate and heartfelt. Within minutes, the walls of uncertainty melted away, replaced by laughter, tears, and love.
Audriana and Aaliyah felt so comfortable with Lisa that they asked if they could braid her hair.
“That, to me, was the most amazing moment,” Lisa said. “To feel that close within half an hour — it was something I’ll never forget. I couldn’t ask for a better donor family because they’re just absolutely amazing people. Michael didn’t just provide me with a heart. He gave me children to love.”
Unable to have children of her own, Lisa now refers to Michael’s children as her “heart children,” and they call her their “heart mom.”
When it was Jaliesa’s turn to listen to Michael’s heart beating inside Lisa, an extraordinary moment unfolded. Lisa noticed her heartbeat seemed to quicken, almost as if it recognized Jaliesa’s presence.
“I could feel it beating harder when she leaned in,” Lisa recalled.
Reflecting on the experience, Jaliesa said, “When we arrived at NJ Sharing Network, all my emotions came rushing in. But once I hugged Lisa, I felt a sense of peace come over me. It felt like I already knew her because of our phone calls and texts. That connection became even stronger in person.”
The families have remained close, sharing many phone calls and texts, milestones, and more memories together. Jessica sees Lisa as a living connection to her son.
“It’s like having a piece of Michael still here,” she said. “When Lisa talks about him or does something that reminds me of him, it feels like he’s with us.”
For Lisa, the journey ahead is about carrying Michael’s legacy forward. “It’s not just about living. It’s about loving the family he gave me and honoring the life he lived. I’m so blessed by God,” she said.
In the NJSN Meditation Garden that day, two families became one, bound by love, gratitude, and the enduring legacy of a man who gave the ultimate gift. To learn more about organ and tissue donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO 1 – (Second from right) Lisa Vecchione meets loved ones of her heart donor Michael Canada at NJ Sharing Network in New Providence, NJ. Standing with Lisa are (l-r) Audriana Andrade, Aaliyah Canada, Jaliesa Andrade, and Jessica Canada. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO 2 – Audriana Andrade listens to Michael Canada’s donated heart beat inside Lisa Vecchione during their meeting at NJ Sharing Network in New Providence, NJ. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)