(July 10, 2024 – DEMAREST, NJ) – Demarest resident Sadie Alfano, 17, launched a heartfelt initiative to support the Sharing Network Foundation through the creation of special sunflower stickers. Sadie designed the sticker to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation and to celebrate the remarkable ten-year anniversary of her cousin Cassidy McPartland’s lifesaving double-lung transplant.
Cassidy, now 21 and living in Franklin Lakes, was born with a brain tumor and, after years of chemotherapy and surgeries, was cancer-free. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy caused fibrosis of her lungs, necessitating a double-lung transplant. When her body rejected the first transplant, she underwent a second double-lung transplant. Today, Cassidy is a thriving college student who embraces life to the fullest, all thanks to the generosity of her organ donors.
In honor of Cassidy’s inspiring journey, Sadie created “Sadie’s Sunflower,” a vibrant rhinestone embellished sticker available for purchase on Stickerbeans.com. A portion of the proceeds from the sticker sales support the Sharing Network Foundation, which supports the work of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State.
Sadie’s initiative began four years ago as her mitzvah project and has since continued to grow. Her mother, Alyssa Alfano, is one of the owners of StickerBeans, a company known for its fun and collectible bling stickers and helped integrate Sadie’s project with the company’s products. This collaboration has enabled Sadie to raise funds and awareness through a cause that is deeply personal to her.
“The sunflower sticker represents hope and renewal,” said Alyssa Alfano. “We are incredibly proud of Sadie’s dedication to this cause and grateful for the support that helps other families facing similar challenges.”
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a lifesaving transplant. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.