Community Corner
Maplewood Man's Spirit Lives On Through Organ Donation
The donation of Joseph Gery François saved the lives of three others through successful liver and kidney transplants.
Press release from NJ Sharing Network:
March 12, 2021
Joseph Gery François (Gery) of Maplewood, NJ, epitomized what is means to devote his entire life to caring for family and friends. Born and raised in Jean Rabel, Haiti, Gery was a talented CPA and Administrator at Quisqueya University. He sacrificed his professional career in Haiti to bring his wife and children to the United States in 2006 for safety and a better life. Unfortunately, Gery passed away on May 2, 2020, leaving his loving family heartbroken.
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“My husband spoiled us so much. I never had to do anything. He was my lover, protector and my best friend,” said Rose- Danielle François, Gery’s beloved wife of 22 years.
In the midst of her grief, Rose-Danielle thought deeply about Gery’s giving nature and realized that organ and tissue donation was the right thing to do. “Gery was a very practical man, and I know if he was able to talk that day he would say ‘yes, let’s save those people’s lives,’” said Rose-Danielle.
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Thanks to Gery’s gifts, the lives of three others were saved through successful liver and kidney transplants. Gery’s tissue donation of bone, skin and cornea also enhanced the lives of countless others.
“Losing a loved one is hard, but saving others is so incredible. Giving the gift of life is truly a blessing, and I am thankful to NJ Sharing Network for their support during this difficult time for our family,” said Rose-Danielle.
Rose-Danielle and their children, Corali, Giovanni and Daryl, were thankful that Gery’s gifts helped save the lives of others.
In New Jersey, there are nearly 4,000 residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and one person in New Jersey dies every three days waiting for a transplant. Just one organ and tissue donor can save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. Transplantable organs include heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and intestine. Transplantable tissue includes corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, and bone grafts, ligament and tendons.
To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
This press release was produced by NJ Sharing Network. The views expressed here are the author's own.
