West Orange Woman Named 'Community Hero' For Her Work With Organ Donation

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange resident was recently honored for helping to inspire others to say “yes” to organ and tissue 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.

The following Volunteer Recognition Awards were presented during the event:

Community Hero Awards - This year’s awards were presented to Janice Campbell of West Orange and LaVise McCray of Jersey City for using their creativity and compassion to inspire others to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation. Janice is a well-known community advocate who became heavily involved with NJ Sharing Network after her daughter, Dr. Jamila Irons-Johnson, passed away in 2013 and became an organ donor. LaVise, a retired Jersey City public school teacher, said she is “paying it forward” after her life was saved when she received a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Youth Volunteer of the Year - This year’s award was presented to Alex Chomiak of New Providence for his outstanding efforts in raising awareness about organ and tissue donation at New Providence High School and mobilizing his fellow classmates to volunteer with NJ Sharing Network.

Media Champion Award - This year’s award was presented to Bobbie Peer, Publisher of TAPinto Berkeley Heights and TAPinto New Providence, for her consistent and compassionate storytelling highlighting the impact of organ and tissue donation. Bobbie’s news coverage has amplified the voices of local donor families and transplant recipients, helping educate the public about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Community Partner Award - This year’s award was presented to Iris House in Plainfield, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through comprehensive support, prevention, and education services for women, families, and underserved communities affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities. Iris House was honored for its impactful collaboration and continued support of NJ Sharing Network’s public education efforts.

Jim Rhatican Legacy Award - This year’s award was presented to Jenny Godnick of Hightstown for continuing the legacy of longtime volunteer Jim Rhatican, a liver transplant recipient who inspired thousands of students through NJ Sharing Network’s High School Heroes Program. Jenny is a living kidney donor who was recognized for her efforts in speaking to high school students throughout the state about the importance of organ and tissue donation while sharing her personal experience.

Wrapped In Love Volunteer of the Year - This year’s award was presented to Jo Facciolli of Lacey in recognition of the countless hours to crochet and knit beautiful shawls and lap blankets for organ and tissue donor families. Through NJ Sharing Network’s Wrapped in Love program, volunteers create handmade pieces that provide warmth, comfort, and a lasting expression of love serving as powerful reminders that donors are forever honored and their families are forever supported.

“Every day, our volunteers turn compassion into action,” said Ametra Burton, manager of strategic partnerships at NJ Sharing Network.

“They build vital bridges between our mission and the communities we serve,” Burton said. “Their dedication inspires people to register as organ and tissue donors and ultimately helps save lives.”

• Related: West Orange Dad Honors Daughter’s Lifesaving Organ Donation
• Related: These NJ Parents Saved Their Kids' Lives With Kidney Donations

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.