Wayne Woman & Her Life-Saving Kidney Donor Compete At Record-Breaking Event

The duo was able to compete at a world-record-breaking event seven years after the life-saving operation.

By Jack Slocum, Patch Staff

Aug 10, 2026 10:31 AM EDT

Jean Sime and Pat Milford's relationship began seven years ago, after Sime was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease that forced her to undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant. (NJ Sharing Network)

WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne woman was recently able to meet the person who saved her life at the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients ever recorded.

In July, Jean Sime met with Patricia "Pat" Milford, of Livingston, a stranger to whom she owes her life.

The duo competed at the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver, Colorado, which commemorated the seven-year-anniversary of a life-saving kidney transplant.

Sime and Milford's relationship began seven years ago, after Sime was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease that forced her to undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

Milford, a career nurse at Mountainside Medical Center, decided to become a living donor for Sime, a stranger at the time.

Thanks to Milford, Sime's life was saved, and the act of generosity sparked a "lifelong friendship" between the two women.

Jean Sime and Pat Milford competed in several events, including darts, poker, and bowling. (NJ Sharing Network)

The pair reunited at the 2026 Transplant Games of America, where they represented "Team Liberty" and competed in games including bowling, team trivia, darts, cornhole, and Texas Hold 'Em. The event had 966 participants, making it the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients ever.

"Celebrating our transplant anniversary at the Transplant Games made the experience even more unforgettable," said Sime. "Looking around, I saw thousands of people who have all been given another chance at life through organ donation. Being there together with Pat, my living kidney donor, was a precious gift. Many transplant recipients never know who their donor is, while others may know them, but don't have the opportunity to share life experiences and celebrate milestones together. I will never take this gift for granted."

Milford said that she hopes her and Sime's story encourages people to learn more about living donation and deceased organ and tissue donation.

"Seven years have gone by so quickly, and seeing Jean healthy, active, and enjoying life is the greatest gift I could ever receive," said Milford. "Being together at the Transplant Games reminded us how one act of kindness can ripple through so many lives."

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing 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 as a donor at NJSharingNetwork.org.