Ocean Township, NJ – National Donate Life Month, observed each April, raises awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation, honors the generosity of donors, and celebrates the lives they save.
NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for organ and tissue recovery in New Jersey, leads community initiatives and shares inspiring stories of families touched by donation. For more information, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/DLM.
“National Donate Life Month is a time to honor the lasting legacies of organ and tissue donors,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “In New Jersey, we celebrate those who gave the gift of life, offer hope to those still waiting, and work year-round to inspire others to register as donors.”
During National Donate Life Month, NJ Sharing Network honors the memory of all organ and tissue donors and highlights the story of Mark Angelo Valenzano, a devoted brother, friend, and community member whose decision to be an organ donor gave the ultimate gift of life to others – including a family friend in need of a life-saving kidney transplant.
Mark, 57, of Ocean Township, passed away on May 25, 2022, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Known for his adventurous spirit, warm heart, and sense of humor, Mark made a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was passionate about giving back, volunteering at events like the Jersey Shore Beach Cleanup and the Asbury Park Santa Run, and supporting causes like the Light of Day Foundation, which raises awareness for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and PSP.
Now, his giving spirit continues through his incredible legacy of organ donation. In a rare and deeply personal moment, Mark’s family was able to direct one of his kidneys to be donated to Frank Klimecki, 56, of Galloway Township, NJ, a family friend in need of a transplant.
“The day before the recovery of Mark’s organs, I had a thought and almost didn’t make the call,” said Mark’s sister, Linda Valenzano. “I wasn’t sure if it was even possible, but something told me I had to ask if we could donate one of Mark’s kidneys to a friend of our cousin who had been waiting for a transplant. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude when I was told, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ Even in our grief, my sister Laura and I knew Mark’s kindness and generosity would live on. At that late hour, everything miraculously fell into place. Knowing that Mark was able to help someone close to our family has brought us incredible comfort. It’s exactly the kind of person he was – always looking out for others, even beyond his time here with us.”
For Frank Klimecki, the call came at an unexpected moment.
“I was on my way home from dialysis when I got a call from Darren Menditto, Mark’s cousin,” said Frank. “I live in a rural area and almost never get service where I was, but somehow, the call came through. Darren told me that Mark had passed and that if I was a match, his family wanted me to have the first kidney. I was shocked. It felt like fate.”
The very next day, Frank received a call from his transplant coordinator confirming that testing would begin to see if he was a match. Within 48 hours, he was preparing for transplant surgery at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. After six hours of surgery, Frank woke up in the ICU, filled with gratitude and hope.
“I prayed for a long time for this day, and it was finally here,” said Frank. “Mark’s gift gave me a second chance at life.”
Since his transplant, Frank has continued doing what he loves – racing and volunteering in BMX, a sport he has dedicated over 42 years to. Just six months after his transplant, he competed at the USABMX Grand Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during Thanksgiving weekend, an event that left his fellow racers in awe.
“Mark’s family listened to a calling from above, and because of them, I’m still here today. I will never stop being grateful. Linda has become an incredible friend to me since the transplant. This journey has changed my life in every way,” said Frank.
For Mark’s family, knowing that his decision to be an organ donor has been a source of comfort. In addition to his donated kidney, Mark’s liver and pancreas were also recovered to help save lives.
“Mark was the kind of person who made friends everywhere he went,” said Linda. “He lived life to the fullest and knowing that his light continues to shine in others brings us peace.”
During National Donate Life Month, Mark’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of organ and tissue donation. His legacy is proof that one selfless decision can change countless lives.
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 organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. While the opportunity to give the gift of life is rare, it’s a truly precious one. Less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to become an organ donor, which highlights the importance of encouraging more people to register as donors. Every new donor registration brings hope, helping to save and enhance lives.
To learn more about organ donation, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION #1 – Mark Valenzano (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Mark Valenzano (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #3 – (Left-to-Right) Dr. Darren Menditto, Andrea Menditto, Mark Valenzano, Laura Valenzano, and Linda Valenzano (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #4 – Frank Klimecki (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)