Hoboken Woman’s Father Saved A Life With Kidney Donation

HOBOKEN, NJ — John Levine was 54-year-old when he passed away. But through organ donation, his family members – including his daughter, Jennifer Levine of Hoboken – are helping to carry on his memory by giving a stranger another chance at life.

Last month, the Levine family took part in what’s becoming an annual tradition: the NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life held on June 2 in New Providence.

Running under the name “Team Levine,” Jennifer and her family – who live in North Haledon – have adopted the race as a way to carry on the life of John Levine and honor his donation of two kidneys.

In a rare and emotional coincidence, Jennifer and her family were able to meet the recipient of one of John’s kidneys, NJ Sharing Network stated.

According to the nonprofit:

“Jennifer’s father was able to donate both of his kidneys. Jennifer and her family met the woman who received one of his kidneys. Helen, who is from Middlesex County, had been on a transplant list for some time and was going to dialysis regularly. She had been living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) since 1989, when her youngest child was a baby. The disease had been in her family for a few generations, and most died in their mid-40’s.”

NJ Sharing Network continued:

“Helen reached out to Jennifer’s family via the NJ Sharing Network after her transplant. Both Helen and her husband visited the Levine family – Jennifer, her mom and brother Jesse – a unique meeting as many families are unsure if they want to meet the transplant recipients. Helen is forever thankful for the ‘gift of life’ she received. The families keep in touch and Helen also participates in the NJ Sharing Network 5Ks.”

According to the NJ Sharing Network, 678 life-saving transplants were made possible last year. Deceased donors provided 537 of those transplants, and living donors provided 141.

The need for donations is ever-present, the nonprofit says.

“Today, there are nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a life-saving transplant. Every day, approximately three people are added to the New Jersey waiting list, and one person dies every three days while waiting for a transplant. One organ donor can save eight lives and one tissue donor can restore health to over 75 people.”

New Jersey residents can help save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors, having a conversation with family and friends and getting involved at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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