These Donations Saved Lives In Essex County: 8 Stories Of Selflessness

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Parents who donated kidneys to their children. A teacher who got the “greatest gift anyone can receive.” People who saved the lives of strangers they didn’t know. These are some of the inspirational stories that have come out of Essex County over the past year.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Learn more or register to donate here.

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Despite the ongoing need, many people have stepped up to the plate for their family, friends and neighbors in New Jersey. Catch up with some recent stories of friendship and selflessness from Essex County below (click headlines to read the article):

These NJ Parents Saved Their Kids' Lives With Kidney Donations

Dozens of organ recipients, donors and their families celebrated their 25-year “kidneyversaries” at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston this spring. The list of inspiring stories includes a mother who donated an organ to her son, a teenager who got a new lease on life thanks to her parent, and a busy landscaper who received a lifesaving gift from his brother. Read more here.

9-Year-Old Kidney Donor Saved This NJ Teacher’s Life

Samantha Imperato is a teacher, a wife, a beloved member of the Maplewood school community – and the quintessential “cat lady.” She is also the recipient of a lifesaving kidney transplant that she got at the age of 12. It was the “greatest gift anyone can receive,” Imperato says. Read more here.

In 1990, Faith Krausman – a veterinarian and the owner of North Jersey-based Vet-On-Wheels – was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that gradually led to kidney failure. As her kidney function declined, she became increasingly fatigued but continued working and staying active while preparing for transplant. That's when Judy Summers entered the picture, and everything changed. Read more here.

The amazing connection between Patricia "Pat" Milford and Jean Sime began seven years ago when Milford, a longtime nurse in North Jersey, volunteered to become a living kidney donor for someone she had never met. That someone was Sime, who had spent years battling chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis while waiting for a transplant. What began as a selfless act of generosity has since grown into a lifelong friendship the two women often describe as a sisterhood. Learn more here.

NJ Man Saved Lives With Organ Donation, Family And Friends Honor His Memory

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the U.S., Ricardo Francis was known for his hardworking ethics and love of family. He passed away in October 2024, but his legacy continues through the many lives touched by his kindness and generosity. Read more here.

Liver Transplant Saved Essex County Resident’s Life: ‘I Had 2 Months To Live’

Meredith Borrelli and Mike Logue’s lives were saved last year when they received liver transplants. Now, as the friends continue to regain their health, they just spent five days competing at the Transplant Games of America. “I feel like I have a new lease on life since my transplant,” said Borrelli, 54. “The gratitude you feel for someone who chose to be an organ donor is so huge... I’ve been very lucky. Every moment feels like a gift, even if I’m dealing with medication side-effects.” Read more here.

NJ Woman Named 'Community Hero' For Her Work With Organ Donation

Janice Campbell of West Orange was among the honorees at NJ Sharing Network’s 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Reception, earning a “Community Hero Award” for her ongoing efforts. Campbell, a well-known community advocate, became heavily involved with NJ Sharing Network after her daughter, Jamila Irons-Johnson, passed away in 2013 and became an organ donor. Read more here.

Essex County Marathoner, 79, Honors Late Son’s Legacy With ‘Stamina And Spirit’

Ezequiel Garcia of New Jersey, a marathon runner, retired educator and dedicated volunteer, says his incredible stamina and spirit are fueled by love, loss and the enduring legacy of his son, Reinaldo, who passed away at the age of 29 in a motorcycle accident. A beloved teacher and coach at Science Park High School in Newark, Reinaldo became a tissue donor. Read more here.

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