Memory Of Clark's Caitlin Nelson Honored At 5K Race

CLARK, NJ — The memory of Clark's Caitlin Nelson was honored during the recent NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk.

Family members and friends of the late Nelson, 20, gathered together on Sept. 12 to form the "Caitlin Gives" 5K team to honor her memory and show their support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission.

Nelson, who tragically passed away in 2017, was an organ and tissue donor who saved and enhanced the lives of many others.

Nelson was a social work student hoping to be a pediatric oncology social worker and was also a huge proponent of organ donation. At one time prior to her tragic accident, Nelson told her mother to donate her organs if anything ever happened to her because she said someone could use them.

Members of "Caitlin Gives" offered the following message during the 5K Celebration of Life:

"Caitlin was a selfless, loving, amazing, warm-hearted girl who was one month shy of celebrating her 21st birthday when she tragically passed away. Her passion for life and devotion to helping others was remarkable.

Caitlin's brilliant smile had this way of lighting up a room. She had an incredible, dazzling charm and a sweet, warm personality. She was a fervent supporter of organ donation and strongly encouraged her family and friends to sign up to become organ donors. Caitlin gave the gift of life by donating her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. She also donated over 200 bone and tissue grafts. Her gifts have already helped 50 people.

Our angel baby accomplished so much and touched so many lives in her 20 years. As a daughter, sister, girlfriend, cousin, friend, and niece, Caitlin will be missed terribly but will live on in our minds and hearts."

The event, which was presented by Hackensack Meridian Health and Pfizer and supported by dozens of other generous sponsors, honored those who gave the gift of organ and tissue, paid tribute to those who have received a transplant, offered hope to those currently waiting for a transplant and remembered the lives lost while waiting for the gift of life.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJSharingNetwork.org.

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