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(New Providence, NJ) – National Minority Donor Awareness Month, celebrated annually in August, honors the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families. It also highlights the critical need for diverse communities to register as organ and tissue donors. NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue, is leading a variety of community awareness activities during this important month. NJSN is sharing the inspirational stories of local organ and tissue donor heroes from multicultural communities to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, with 67% being people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

“Our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners are unstoppable in their efforts to educate and dispel myths about organ and tissue donation in our diverse communities throughout New Jersey. We proudly celebrate and honor our donor heroes and their families who say ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of countless others, giving them more time together, more memories to create and more moments to cherish with loved ones,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network.

E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services, NJ Sharing Network, is a double-lung transplant recipient and Newark resident who promotes NJ Sharing Network’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations, and community associations. “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.

During National Minority Donor Awareness Month, NJ Sharing Network’s website (www.NJSharingNetwork.org) and social media platforms will be updated with information on ways to participate in local activities and events. These include the Live Healthy & Move free community events on August 10 in Vera Ames Community Park in Paterson, and on 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.

Forever in Our Hearts – Edward Damirr Ross of Camden, NJ

Edward Damirr Ross, 29, known affectionately as Damirr, had an effervescent energy, charisma, and charm that made others want to be around him.

You could feel his energy when he walked into a room,” said Dana Drummond, his mother. “He didn’t have to say a word – his radiant smile was always memorable. We could always count on him to listen and give the best advice when we needed it most.”

From his earlier days, Damirr had a thirst for knowledge and a love for learning. He excelled academically, earning honors upon graduating from Lenape High School in Medford. “He was an avid reader and was equally dedicated to his physical health and loved to work out,” said Dana.

In recent years, Damirr’s greatest joy was spending time with his two young children, Jace and Jouri.

Tragically, on November 21, 2023, Damirr’s life was cut short unexpectedly. Yet, even in death, his legacy of giving continued through the gift of organ donation. His family made the generous decision to donate his heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, to save the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds in New Jersey, New York, Boston, Florida, and California.

“During that difficult time in the hospital, we knew it was the right thing to do. Damirr would be so proud that he continues to be a star as his legacy lives on,” said Dana.

Dana is also thankful for the care they received from the Cooper University Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network teams.

“They were sincere and compassionate every step of the way. We appreciate everything they did for us. It blew my mind when we learned that less than one percent of people are able to be organ donors. It made us realize just how special Damirr’s gifts would be,” said Dana.

Lars-Kristofer N. Peterson, MD, Emergency Medicine, Cooper University, expressed his gratitude to Dana and all of Damirr’s family members.

“Their generosity and courage in participating in organ donation are testaments to their resiliency and the bright light that Damirr brought to the world. His impact will continue through them and the gifts he made to the organ recipients,” said Dr. Peterson.

A Dayton/South Brunswick Family Touched by Both Donation and Transplantation

Priya Kannusamy of Dayton/South Brunswick, NJ, is one of NJ Sharing Network’s passionate volunteers who proudly shares her remarkable life journey with the hope of registering people as organ and tissue donors. Her story is one filled with resilience and compassion marked by the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. As both the mother of a deceased daughter who became a tissue donor and a living liver donor to her husband, Priya’s story highlights the transformative power of generosity and the mission of NJ Sharing Network.

Priya’s first experience with donation occurred in 2019 when her daughter, Swathi Prabhakar, 19, passed away. Swathi was an extraordinary young girl who faced the challenges of an extremely rare genetic metabolic disorder. Despite the limitations imposed by her condition, she embraced life with joy and touched the hearts of all who knew her.

“Swathi found delight in princess stories, songs, and movies, and her infectious smile was her trademark,” said Priya. “When she passed away, our focus was on the life she lived and what she could pass on to others. I feel extremely grateful that her cornea and brain tissue donations were a way for her to pay it forward. It brings solace to us every day knowing that Swathi’s legacy lives on through the gift of sight for others. Her brain tissue donation is also helping move science forward through important research.”

While grieving the loss of Swathi, Priya’s husband, Venu Prabhakar, began to face critical health concerns related to his chronic liver disease. He was hospitalized several times and put on the liver transplant waiting list. In 2022, Priya stepped up to be living liver donor for a transplant surgery that saved Venu’s life.

“I did not want to see my husband suffer, and I was willing to do anything in my power to make him better,” said Priya.

Today, Priya and Venu are both living life to its fullest. They work, travel, play pickleball, take daily walks together, and spend quality time with their son, Surya Prabhakar.

A Caring Spirit Lives On – Julian Rosado of Bayonne

Julian Rosado, 31, of Bayonne always brought smiles to the faces of his family, friends, and co-workers. He had a unique ability to make others feel comfortable – especially during difficult times when they needed support.

“He was like a ray of sunshine,” said Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother. “He was quirky and funny, and always had a positive spirit and energy. He especially loved his daughters, Julianna and Cheyenne.”

As a young boy, Julian was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Despite struggling in school and sports activities, Julian worked hard to earn a degree and became a successful, OSHA-certified plumber. In March 2021, Julian married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple looked forward to a bright future together and planned to buy a new home. Just three months later, an unthinkable tragedy occurred when Julian passed away following an accidental fall.

“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle,” said Mary Jane. “We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way.”

While the family continues to miss Julian, they are proud that his caring legacy lives on as an organ donor. Julian’s gifts saved the lives of three people.

“Now he is like a sunflower, who spreads seeds so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave others the gift of life,” said Mary Jane.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Edward Damirr Ross with his son, Jace (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
2. Priya Kannusamy with her husband, Venu Prabhakar, her daughter, Swathi Prabhakar, and her son, Surya Prabhakar (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
3. Julian Rosado (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

(Elizabeth, NJ) – The Sharing Network Foundation recently made a generous contribution of more than 100 copies of the children’s book, A Gift of Life: A Story About Organ and Tissue Donation, to support the County of Union’s “Inclusive Book Program.”

As part of Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives, the “Inclusive Book Program” provides Union County schools with a diverse selection of books that celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. By offering a range of inclusive literature, the program aims to promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance among students, as well as cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment within local school communities.

“We thank the Sharing Network Foundation and all of our fantastic partners for helping us distribute the first wave of the massive collection of inclusive books that the County has purchased for our public elementary school libraries,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our Board of County Commissioners continues to seek and support programs, services, and initiatives that amplify every voice, ensuring that inclusivity and understanding thrive across Union County. We believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read.”A Gift of Life: A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation, is a touching children’s picture book written by author Rachelle Burk and funded by the Sharing Network Foundation. This special book follows a young boy after the loss of his father and his legacy as a hero through organ and tissue donation. Beautifully illustrated by Benjamin Hummel, a two-time liver transplant recipient, it’s a story of hope, love, and the incredible impact one can make by giving the gift of life. The book is available for purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1C3TJJ6.

PHOTO CAPTION – (left-to-right) Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon; Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation; Joe Leo, Owner of Here’s the Story Bookstore in Union, NJ; Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded; and Daryl Palmieri, Union County Interim Executive County Superintendent helped assist with the distribution of inclusive books for public elementary school libraries in Union County. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of the County of Union)

July 17, 2024 – In a heartfelt celebration of the 10^th anniversary of their lifesaving liver transplant, co-founders of The Wave Set Cameron and Jared Wohl of Little Falls and Livingston, NJ, have announced a philanthropic contribution of $10,000 to the Sharing Network Foundation. This gift will support the newly established Joseph S. Roth Simulation Center, a state-of-the-art training facility at NJ Sharing Network’s (NJSN’s) headquarters. The Simulation Training Center is crucial for enhancing the education and training of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage organ and tissue donors and support families, ultimately helping to save more lives.

“Contributing to the Simulation Training Center and the hands-on training it will provide in a real-world setting is our way of giving back to NJ Sharing Network and the community that has supported us throughout our transplant journey. As a former educator, and having been a living transplant donor, it means so much to be able to play a part in maximizing organ donation outcomes at NJSN and helping to save and enhance more lives through education,” said Jared Wohl.

“Our contribution is not just about honoring our ten-year milestone; it’s about investing in the future of organ and tissue donation and ensuring that NJ Sharing Network’s teams have the best training possible to make the biggest impact on the number of organs recovered and, ultimately, number of lives saved,” said Cameron Wohl.

A Decade of Gratitude and Advocacy

On February 11, 2014, Jared Wohl, then 27, donated 65 percent of his liver to his younger brother, Cameron, then 24, who was battling primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune disease impacting the bile ducts of the liver, via a living donor transplant. The successful transplant marked the beginning of a new chapter for both brothers, who continue to advocate for organ and tissue donation awareness and education.

The Wave Set: Spreading Awareness and Educating

In 2013, leading up to the transplant, Jared and Cameron founded The Wave Set, an organization aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation, while showing the world that “We Are Vital to Each Other.” Now a named fund of the Sharing Network Foundation, The Wave Set has been instrumental in promoting organ and tissue donor registration and supporting donor families. In 2016, they launched a crowdfunded documentary, “65 Percent,” depicting their family’s journey through the transplant experience and offering a poignant look at the impact of organ donation. The documentary can be viewed at www.sharingnetworkfoundation.org/the-wave-set. Since then, Jared and Cameron have planned and executed speaking engagements and fundraising events to support The Wave Set’s mission.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Life and Health

“It’s surreal to see how far we’ve come since the transplant. When I’m having a tough day, I’ll occasionally think back and it helps give much needed perspective on how fragile life is and what’s really important – our health. And to see my brother and nephew, it’s just incredible,” said Jared. Cameron echoed these sentiments, stating, “I’m so grateful to have my health. I think of all the things I’ve done in the time span since my transplant – going back to school, picking up hockey again, changing careers, starting a family. It helped shape me into the person I am and the outlook I have.”

A Full Circle Journey

Cameron’s post-transplant journey led him to pursue a career in healthcare. After becoming a registered nurse, he worked in the operating room at University Hospital in Newark, where he had the chance to collaborate with one of the surgeons from his transplant team. Cameron now works as a Field Clinical Specialist, introducing new therapies to physicians to optimize patient outcomes, combining his passions for patient care, relationship building, and technology.

Jared works as a Senior Account Director in SAAS sales, partnering with higher education institutions to strategize ways to improve their academic offerings, fuel skill development for staff and faculty, hire top talent, and support student career-readiness. He is also a singer-songwriter and the proud father of two young boys.

Supporting the Joseph S. Roth Simulation Center

The Joseph S. Roth Simulation Training Center, named and dedicated in memory of NJSN’s former President and CEO, is designed to prepare clinical teams with the best hands-on learning options available to manage organ and tissue donors and support families. The center features the same advanced technologies and equipment used in partner hospitals throughout New Jersey, including patient simulators, monitors, ventilators, and advanced video technologies.

Looking Ahead

With Cameron’s primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in remission and the recent birth of his son, Lucas John, the Wohl family has much to celebrate. The brothers, along with their families, continue their mission of spreading awareness and educating the public about organ and tissue donation.

“One way we can save more lives is to get more people to sign up as registered organ donors and consider living donation,” said Jared. Cameron added, “ Perhaps even more important is sharing those wishes with your family.”