Jersey Shore University Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network Recognize Organ and Tissue Donors and Their Families​

Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center and NJ Sharing Network honored 38 donors who gave the gift of life over the last two years in an emotional ceremony on Thursday, July 13. More than 300 family members and caregivers were in attendance to recognize the impact donors had on saving hundreds of lives through organ and tissue donations.

The names of all 38 donors were read aloud and a sunflower was presented to family members during “Zan’s Garden of Life” dedication ceremony at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Zan’s Garden was created as a tribute to patients who were cared for at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and donated organs or tissue to save countless lives.

“The amazing 38 people we are honoring have helped save the lives of 47 people through organ donation, and they’ve enhanced the lives of hundreds of others through tissue donation,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Zan’s Garden has become such an important part of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, both as a place to reflect on those who have given the gift of life, and as a reminder to all of us about the power of organ donation. This dedication event is also very important to our team members who are on the frontlines of medicine each and every day, interacting with patients and families at the most difficult times of their lives.”

Attendees received a tour of the garden to see newly installed bricks with the name of each donor engraved. Zan’s Garden is named after the late daughter of John Tozzi, M.D., Alexandra, who was killed in a car accident in 2004. Zan’s death inspired Dr. Tozzi to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, and his efforts have been the driving force behind Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to organ and tissue donation.

“We remember these donors for giving the most precious gift – the gift of life,” said Carolyn Welsh, vice president and chief clinical officer of NJ Sharing Network. NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for New Jersey residents awaiting life-saving transplants. “This ceremony may be the first time back to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for many families since losing their loved one. It is an honor and a privilege for the NJ Sharing Network and Jersey Shore University Medical Center teams to recognize those who have donated organs and tissue and celebrate their legacy with their families.”

Every day 22 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. More than 120,000 people are awaiting transplants in the United States, over 4,000 of whom are in New Jersey.

Several special guests shared their perspective as a donor family member or as a transplant recipient. Susan Quiroga, a tissue recipient, said, “As someone whose health depended on receiving donated tissue, it was the biggest gift that could have been given.”

New Jersey residents can help save lives by registering as an organ and tissue donor, talking with family and friends about donation and getting involved with NJ Sharing Network. To learn more, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 13 hospitals, including two academic medical centers, two children's hospitals and nine community hospitals, physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after-hours centers. Hackensack Meridian Health has 28,000 team members, more than 6,000 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The Network's notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, the number one hospital in New Jersey as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, consistently achieving Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Health Care" in the nation, and the number one "Best Place to Work for Women." Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.

The hospitals of Hackensack Meridian Health include: academic medical centers – Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune; children's hospitals – Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; community hospitals – Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, and Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood.

For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org