Clark Family Honors Anniversary Of Lifesaving Gifts During National Donate Life Month

CLARK, NJ — The family of Caitlin Nelson of Clark is sharing her organ donation story during National Donate Life Month to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans, including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans, are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. The organizations say one organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others.

For Sonia Carlen of Brick, the issue is deeply personal. Carlen celebrated the anniversary of her double-lung transplant on April 4, a transplant made possible through organ donation after the 2017 death of 20-year-old Caitlin Nelson of Clark.

The Nelson family said Caitlin had openly shared her wish to be an organ donor.

"She had told me that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted to donate her organs. She’d say, 'you can’t take them with you' and someone else could use them to live on," said Rosanne Nelson, Caitlin’s mother. "That was who she was — always thinking of others, even in unimaginable circumstances."

Following her death, Caitlin donated her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and liver, along with bone and tissue grafts.

"Knowing Caitlin’s wish to donate her organs and tissue to help others brings us comfort," said Rosanne. "Even in our darkest moment, Caitlin gave others hope."

Carlen’s health crisis began in 2015, when she started experiencing persistent shortness of breath and was later diagnosed with a rare lung disease, according to NJ Sharing Network. She said doctors told her the condition was terminal and gave her a life expectancy of three to five years.

"To hear that news was devastating," said Sonia. "I was healthy, I never smoked, and suddenly I was being told I only had a few years to live."

She later required oxygen around the clock and was placed on the lung transplant waiting list.

"I tried to stay positive," said Sonia. "My husband, family, and friends were always my strength. I held onto hope every single day."

That hope became reality with the April 4, 2017, transplant.

"I call Caitlin my hero and my angel," said Sonia. "Because of her generosity and compassion for others, I am alive today. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude."

The two families said they have formed a lasting bond in the years since.

During Donate Life Month, they are working with NJ Sharing Network to raise awareness.

"Organ donation gave me a second chance at life," said Sonia. "I hope our story encourages others to make the selfless decision to give the gift of life."

Rosanne added, "Registering as an organ and tissue donor is one of the most powerful ways to help others. Caitlin believed that, and we hope others will too."

More information is available at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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