NJ Sharing Network Encourages Everyone to ‘Share the Love’ on National Donor Day

Mae Howard of Monroe discusses NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission and her “Love Affair” as she looks back 20 years after her life-saving heart transplant.

February 8, 2023

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLSEX) / New Providence, NJ – February 14th is about sharing love in New Jersey – and not just because it’s Valentine’s Day!

National Donor Day is celebrated annually to spread awareness and education about organ and tissue donation. NJ Sharing Network and its local health partners and volunteers across the state are working on events and activities to honor organ and tissue donor heroes, honor those who have received transplants, and give hope to New Jersey residents who are currently waiting for the gift of life.

On February 13th at 6pm, everyone can join LIVE on Facebook and YouTube for an NJ Sharing Network online discussion titled “Share love! Inspiring stories of those affected by organ and tissue donation.” This interactive forum will allow viewers to leave questions and comments throughout the event to join the conversation. For more information on how to get involved and share the love during National Donor Day, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/donor-day.

STORIES OF LOVE AND COMPASSION RIGHT HERE IN NEW JERSEY

National Donor Day has a deeply personal meaning for NJ Sharing Network partners, advocates and volunteers who are committed to saving and improving the lives of those in need. May and Russell Howard from Monroe Township will be the two featured guests of the Share the Love online discussion. Mei turns 20 in 2022.^th anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant. Below is a summary of May and Russell’s amazing connection:

May and Russell Howard from Monroe, New Jersey.

Making vital connections has always been part of our mission at NJ Sharing Network. But NJ Sharing Network played a key role in establishing a real LOVE connection between May and Russell Howard.

“I remember we were randomly picked to share our personal stories during a community fair at Keyport High School,” May said. “I immediately knew that there was something special about him, and we instantly became friends.”

A few years after her successful heart transplant in 2002, Mei wanted to volunteer. She felt blessed and grateful that her health had been fully restored. At that time, she also wanted to teach her children the importance of giving back and participating in our local communities.

Russell’s connection to the NJ Sharing Network came about after his wife, Patty, passed away. Although Russell and his two children were devastated, they were somewhat relieved to learn that Patty’s gifts had helped save and improve the lives of others.

“By volunteering together, we could discuss all aspects of donation and transplantation in order to fully educate others,” May said. “We were also able to share some common experiences.”

May and Russell’s friendship soon developed into true love. They recently celebrated their 13th anniversary.^th wedding anniversary, and their loving family has replenished with five grandchildren!

“I have always said that NJ Sharing Network has blessed me with two hearts, one that beats inside me and the other that shares my life and surrounds my new heart with love,” May said.

ABOUT THE NJ EXCHANGE NETWORK

The NJ Sharing Network is a federally appointed non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of organ and tissue donors in Garden State. The NJ Sharing Network brings hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting life-saving transplants and is part of a national recovery system for more than 100,000 people on the national waiting list. Last year, 283 New Jersey organ donor heroes gave life, resulting in 670 vital organ transplants, a single-year record. In addition, 40,000 eye and tissue gifts improved the quality of life for those in need. Headquartered in New Providence, New Jersey, the organization has been recognized NJBIZ as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for five consecutive years. To learn more, get involved, and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

May and Russell Howard from Monroe, New Jersey.

(Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)