Ramsey Family Races for Generous Dad Who Saved Lives of Two

Patrick Tommaney once offered his ailing brother-in-law a kidney if he should need it. And his desire to provide such a gift is the reason why it was clear to Patrick’s family to donate two of his kidneys in February of last year after the 50-year-old man suffered a heart attack.

“It was Patrick’s wish to donate his kidneys, we just followed his wish,” said his former wife, Susan Olszewski. “So when we were approached by the NJ Sharing Network about the decision to donate his organs, we knew it was something Patrick would have wanted to do.”

That generosity is what the family will celebrate on April 12, when “Team Patrick” participates in the 5th Annual 5K Celebration of Life, to be held at Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road in Paramus.

The event is a fun-filled, family-oriented day including a 5K walk, music, awards, prizes, and activities for all ages. This event is a great way for people to become involved with National Donate Life Month (NDLM) to honor those who gave the gift.

Celebrated in April each year, NDLM features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ and tissue donors and to celebrate those who have given the gift of life.

Olszewski will lead “Team Patrick,” which includes her two children, Brooke, 16, and Bobby, 14, and other supporters of the family’s team. Brooke will be using the fundraiser to honor her father, as well as to obtain a “Gold Award” through the Girl Scouts, as she takes this opportunity to share her dad’s story and raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

The family will gather with many other donor families, as well as transplant recipients, living donors, those waiting for a transplant, volunteers and hospital partners and corporate sponsors. To date, there are more than 60 teams who have signed up to participate, in addition to many individuals and families.

Olszewski said “Team Patrick” was launched last June, when the family and other supporters participated in the 4th Annual 5K Walk and USATF Certified Race at NJ Sharing Network headquarters, 691 Central Ave. in New Providence. They plan to return for this year’s event, to be held Sunday, June 7.

“I feel because Patrick gave, we should also all give,” Olszewski said. “This race is the least we can do to bring awareness to the fact that there are nearly 5,000 people on the waiting list for life-saving organs in New Jersey. I’m really hoping plenty of people join “Team Patrick” or give to our cause.”

Last June, “Team Patrick” was able to raise more than $1,000. A portion of that included a matching contribution from Olszewski’s employer, Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. in Little Ferry. During the race, the family remembered Tommaney, a restaurant manager who loved to play with his kids in the summer sand and the winter snow. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing.

To sign up for either or both 5K Celebration of Life locations, to start or join a team, and to learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.