LIVINGSTON, NJ — A mother donated an organ to her son. A teenager got a new lease on life thanks to her parent. A busy landscaper received a lifesaving gift from his brother. These are some of the people whose lives were changed by the generosity of others – and a kidney transplant at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Earlier this week, dozens of organ recipients, donors and their families celebrated their 25-year “kidneyversaries” at the hospital, gathering for an emotional reunion that inspired both tears and smiles.
Medical staff who carried out the transplants were also in attendance to reunite with their patients.
RWJBarnabas Health shared the stories of four people who received life-changing transplants at the hospital:
Joseph (Fred) Fares – “After a routine physical uncovered elevated creatinine levels, Fred’s life took an unexpected turn, ultimately leading him to the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at CBMC, where he underwent a kidney transplant with his mother, Rosalie, as his living donor. More than 30 years later, Fred continues to do well, with ongoing care from his nephrologist.”
Rita Pessoa – “Diagnosed with kidney failure at just 18 years old during her freshman year of college at Seton Hall University, Rita’s life changed rapidly as her condition worsened, and she faced the need for a transplant within a year. After a brief two-week period on dialysis, she received a lifesaving kidney from her mother, Rosetta Pantusa, at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Now more than two decades later, Rita reflects on a full life made possible by her transplant, including graduating college, building a career, getting married, and raising her son. Grateful for the compassionate care she received and continues to receive, Rita approaches each day with perspective, prioritizing her health, family, and the moments that matter most.”
Carlo Spinella – “After initially brushing off symptoms as exhaustion from his busy landscaping business during the summer months, Carlo Spinella’s health quickly declined, leading to a diagnosis of kidney failure and four months on dialysis. He was referred to the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at CBMC, where his brother stepped forward as a living donor and proved to be a near-perfect match. Now, more than 30 years later, he continues his care with a transplant nephrologist and is able to enjoy time with his children and grandchildren.”
Maureen Puzio – “Maureen was just 38 when she was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure in 1995, undergoing daily insulin injections and dialysis three times a week as her condition rapidly progressed. After being referred by her nephrologist to the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at CBMC, she became one of the earliest patients, number 11, under the care of Stuart Geffner, chair and surgeon-in-chief of the Department of Surgery at CBMC. Following her simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant, Maureen’s life was transformed. Now, nearly 30 years later, at 68, Maureen credits her care team, Dr. Geffner, and her donor for giving her the ability to live fully with lasting gratitude.”
According to RWJBarnabas Health, the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is the largest program in the northeast, transplanting more than 370 kidneys in 2025. Learn more here.
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