April, a month that evokes the newness of spring, also marks the observation of National Donate Life Month.
“Observed each April, National Donate Life Month is a vital time to raise awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “It is a month to honor the selfless generosity of donors, celebrate the renewed lives of transplant recipients, and support the thousands still waiting for their second chance.”
This year’s theme, Let Life Sing, alludes to the renewal of life that results from a life-giving transplant. More than 100,000 Americans are waiting for a transplant, including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey, according to NJ Sharing Network, the state’s federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organization.
“One organ and tissue donor has the power to save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others,” Welsh emphasized. “The opportunity to give this extraordinary gift is rare: less than 1% of all deaths meet the medical criteria for organ donation. This underscores the urgent need for more people to register as donors and give hope to those waiting.”
Dana Drummond, who lost her son, Edward Damirr Ross, in November 2023, experienced the rare opportunity to give hope. Ross, a 29-year-old from Camden known for his compassionate heart, had a willingness to help those in need. His legacy continued through his family’s decision to donate his heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.
“It was the best decision we could have made as a family,” Drummond recalled. “The good that came out of this is far beyond what we could have ever imagined.”
Drummond is grateful for the care her family received from the Cooper University Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network teams.
“They were sincere and compassionate every step of the way,” she recounted. “We appreciate everything they did for us. It blew my mind when we learned that less than 1% of people are able to be organ donors. It made us realize just how special Damirr’s gifts would be.”
“Organ donation in New Jersey has reached historic milestones in 2024, with the number of deceased organ donors (297) and organs transplanted (743) hitting all-time highs,” Welsh reported. “These figures represent a 14% increase in organ donors and a 4 percent rise in organs transplanted compared with 2023.
“This marks the sixth consecutive year that NJ Sharing Network has set new records, highlighting a strong and growing commitment to organ and tissue donation across the state.”
That commitment is demonstrated throughout New Jersey. Dennis Andrew Vaccaro of West Long Branch died of injuries from a motorcycle accident in June 2023. The 27-year-old – known to light up a room – made friends wherever he went and answered any call for help. An organ donor, Vaccaro saved the lives of others with his heart, kidneys and liver.
“Dennis’ caring spirit continues to live on,” said his mother, Teri Vaccaro. “His organs went to people he’d never met, yet they’re connected to him in the most extraordinary way.
“NJ Sharing Network greeted us with open arms, literally, with warm and comforting hugs, on the day of Dennis’ accident,” Vaccaro explained. “National Donate Life Month is a reminder of how so much good can come out of tremendous loss. To us, it commemorates Dennis’ life, in the way he continued to help many people after his untimely death.
“His life ended so he could provide others with a new chance at life.”
“Every organ and tissue donation represents a story of generosity and hope,” Welsh added.
To learn more about organ donation, get involved and join the National Donate Life Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
