(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, recently presented Volunteer Recognition Awards to local residents for their outstanding efforts in supporting its lifesaving mission. The awards were presented during NJ Sharing Network’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Reception at its headquarters in New Providence.
PHOTO CAPTION
Pictured here are award recipients (left-to-right) Rachel Schott of AbbVie, Inc., Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes, Diane Borman of Summit, Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ, Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway, Lakisha Bray of Plainfield, Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange, and Valerie Phillips of AbbVie, Inc. Award recipients not pictured are Richard Hayes of Monroe Township and Sam Prince of North Caldwell. (PHOTO CREDIT – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
“Volunteers are the heart of our mission. They help strengthen our public education efforts, encouraging more people to say, ‘YES’ to save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors,” said Alyssa D’Addio, Vice President, Hospital and Community Services, NJSN.
Community Hero Awards presented to Lakisha Bray of Plainfield and Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ
Volunteers play a key role in NJSN’s community outreach and public education efforts. The Community Hero Awards are presented to individuals who have gone the extra mile in sharing our lifesaving mission.
- Lakisha Bray of Plainfield is an incredibly strong and resilient woman who is spreading the importance of organ donation through her story of losing her daughter and sister. Lakisha’s daughter, Talea, was born with cerebral palsy and passed away just before her 21st birthday. Talea was able to save three lives with her donations. Just six months later, Lakisha’s sister Tabitha died while waiting for an intestinal transplant. Lakisha has become a powerful advocate for NJSN’s mission to honor both of their memories.
- Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ, was inspired to support NJSN after donating one of his kidneys to his brother. He has represented NJSN at countless community events since becoming a volunteer in 2018. He has also conducted speaking presentations at local high schools, businesses, and at Liberty Science Center.
Youth Volunteer Awards were presented to Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange, and Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway
NJSN’s youth volunteers add energy and creative ideas to many of our outreach projects and activities. The Youth Volunteers of the Year Awards are presented to local high school students who go the extra mile to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in his/her school and local community.
- Lavarra M. Hines, Jr (LJ) of West Orange has been a youth volunteer for more than 10 years. LJ was inspired to get involved with NJSN after his godfather passed away and became an organ donor. LJ created a NJSN 5K Celebration of Life team in memory of his godfather. As a student at Newark Academy, LJ helped coordinate NJSN presentations in the school’s driver’s education courses for the past two years.
- Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway has been volunteering for NJSN since she was in middle school. She is now a key member of Piscataway High School’s Donate Life Club and will serve as the club’s president in the 2024/2025 academic year. Dhivyasree has helped grow the DLC’s student membership and has been instrumental in community awareness events throughout the year.
Jim Rhatican Legacy Award presented to Richard Hayes of Monroe Township
The Jim Rhatican Legacy Award is named in memory of longtime NJSN volunteer Jim Rhatican, a liver transplant recipient who shared his personal story of hope with students, teachers and parents as part of NJSN’s High School Heroes Program. The award recognizes a volunteer who has made a powerful commitment to educating local students about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
- Richard Hayes of Monroe Township has been a key volunteer for NJ Sharing Network since 2011. As a liver transplant recipient, Richard has made powerful presentations to over 5,000 students about the importance of registering as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.
Donate Life Group Leader Award presented to Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes
NJSN’s Donate Life Groups (DLG) bring together local advocates and volunteers to take action and educate their own communities about organ and tissue donation. The Donate Life Group Leader Award recognizes a DLG member who has energized grassroots efforts to support NJSN’s lifesaving mission.
- Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes took an active lead in the Morris County DLG in 2016. Her father, Nick Cerbo, started the group after receiving a lifesaving heart transplant. Cathy kept the group active and energized throughout the pandemic and is continually developing creative ways to attract new DLG members.
Wrapped In Love Volunteer Award was presented to Diane Borman of Summit
NJSN’s Wrapped in Love program provides beautiful handmade shawls and blankets to families who have said ‘YES’ to organ and tissue donation as a tangible expression of comfort and compassion. The Wrapped In Love Volunteer of the Year recognizes an individual who has dedicated his/her time and talent to crochet or knit creations that express love and support for our donor families.
- Diane Borman of Summit has been a Wrapped in Love volunteer since 2010. She has expressed her caring spirit and creativity by making hundreds of beautiful blankets for organ donor families. She has also shared her knowledge with other volunteers to help them create blankets and shawls.
NJSN National Impact Award presented to Sam Prince of North Caldwell
NJSN’s powerful lifesaving message travels far beyond the borders of New Jersey. The NJSN National Impact Award recognizes an individual who has delivered our lifesaving message to audiences throughout the nation.
- Sam Prince of North Caldwell was born with multiple congenital heart defects. For the first seven years of his life, Prince thrived as best as he could, undergoing numerous surgeries and surviving on medication. Finally, he received a lifesaving heart transplant when he was 8 years old. For more than a decade, Sam has been a powerful and well-recognized advocate for NJSN. He became internationally recognized as the New York Giants “superfan” who stole the show during the 2022 NFL Draft. Thanks to Make-A-Wish America, Sam joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage in Las Vegas while presenting the Giants’ No. 5 overall pick, Kayon Thibodeaux. Prince won over fans worldwide with his animated personality and now viral interaction with Thibodeaux.
Community Partner Award presented to AbbVie, Inc.
Partnerships matter! NJSN’s Community Partner Award honors the invaluable contributions of a local organization or corporation that has helped produce amazing results within NJSN’s public education efforts.
- AbbVie, Inc. played an important part in NJSN’s Back-to-School Supplies Drive to benefit students in need in Camden and Paterson. AbbVie employees saw an opportunity to rally together and make a difference in the lives of local children by ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey. Their generous contributions included notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, and more. The award was accepted by Rachel Schott and Valerie Phillips of AbbVie, Inc.