NJ Nurse Known For Compassion Gets Some Of Her Own: A New Liver

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Jennifer Carrillo knows what it means to care for patients during their most vulnerable moments. But just a few years ago, the Nutley resident found herself with a flipped script when she found herself in need of some compassion of her own: a new liver.

According to the NJ Sharing Network, prior to her lifesaving transplant, Carrillo spent years helping others through difficult health challenges as stroke/performance improvement coordinator at Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark.

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Carrillo was working at the hospital in 2019 when she began experiencing swelling in her legs and other symptoms, which she didn't fully understand – although as a nurse, she knew something was wrong.

The dedicated health care worker kept pushing forward, but eventually, something had to give.

"I knew I didn't feel well, but I was in denial," Carrillo recalled. "I thought: 'I'm a nurse. I'll figure this out.' But I kept getting worse."

Carrillo was soon admitted to Saint Michael's, where doctors quickly diagnosed her with acute liver failure. Her kidneys were also shutting down, and she was transferred to Columbia University Irving Medical Center for advanced care.

By the time she was officially listed for transplant, Carrillo had severe liver disease and faced a high risk of death without a transplant.

Then, she got the call that would change her life.

Carrillo's liver transplant took place on Easter Sunday that year. After a difficult recovery, she eventually returned to the work she loves.

It's a second chance – and it's not something she takes for granted.

"I think about the person who made the generous decision to be a donor and the family who supported that decision during an incredibly difficult time," Carrillo said.

"I will always be grateful to them," she added.

Carrillo also goes to work every day with a firsthand understanding of what patients and their families experience.

"Being a patient changed me," she said. "As nurses, we take care of people every day, but being on the other side makes you look at things differently. You understand the fear, the questions, and the hope that patients and their families are experiencing."

That perspective recently earned Carrillo NJ Sharing Network's Sunflower Award, which recognizes health care professionals who "go above and beyond in their roles to provide exceptional care." The honor is particularly meaningful to Carrillo, whose own experience has strengthened her desire to advocate for organ and tissue donation.

"I want people to know that organ and tissue donation is real," Carrillo urged.

"My organ donor gave me the opportunity to be here today," she said. "I get to go to work. I get to take care of patients. I get to spend time with my family. I get to live my life because someone said 'yes' to donation."

"I know what it feels like to be the person waiting for someone to help you," Carrillo continued. "I don't want to forget what that feels like."

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, more than 100,000 U.S. residents – including more than 3,000 New Jerseyans – are currently waiting for an organ transplant. Nearly 9,000 people nationwide are waiting for a liver transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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