Supporting Families
Beyond our mission is our commitment to provide compassionate care and support to families. Through the generosity of our supporters, funded programs and resources for families of organ and tissue donors, transplant recipients, patients waiting, living donors and caregivers provide ways to celebrate life and honor the legacy of loved ones.
Donor Remembrance Ceremonies
Honoring the legacies of donor heroes.
Each year, donor families gather at our headquarters for remembrance ceremonies that celebrate loved ones who gave the gift of life. Families come together to share stories, see their loved ones’ names honored in our halls and dedicate personalized river stones in our Landscape of Life Meditation Garden—a lasting tribute to their legacy and generosity.
Wrapped in Love
Comfort, handcrafted with care.
Volunteers lovingly handcraft shawls and blankets to present to families of organ and tissue donors as a tangible expression of compassion and comfort and to honor the incredible gift of life their loved ones made possible.
“When I opened a package, I received from NJ Sharing Network… I almost cried. In a good way. A beautifully crocheted wrap was enclosed, made by NJSN volunteer Lea F. It feels like a hug. In a way, it’s a gift from you AND my father.”
—Katherine S., daughter of tissue donor Jack R.
A Gift of Life Children’s Book
Helping young hearts understand donation.
A Gift of Life: A Story About Organ and Tissue Donation offers children a compassionate way to learn about donation while supporting families navigating grief. The story follows a young boy after the loss of his father and celebrates his legacy as a hero through organ and tissue donation.
Written by acclaimed children’s author Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Benjamin Hummet, a two-time liver transplant recipient, this book brings hope to families when they need it most.
Taylor’s Gift
No donor family grieves alone.
Through our partnership with Taylor’s Gift Foundation, we fund comprehensive grief support services for donor families. Personalized guidance from trained peer mentors and access to virtual support programs ensure every family has the resources they need.
Crisis Funding for Transplant Patients Through Riley’s Path
A five-year-old’s legacy that continues to save lives.
Riley Kogen was just five when she gave the gift of life in 2013, saving two women and touching countless families. Today, Riley’s Path provides critical financial support to transplant patients in crisis—a lifeline for those facing uncertainty during their recovery
“Transplant is a happy event for patients, but it also brings change and uncertainty. This program has eased financial stress and helped our patients to focus on their precious gift and second chance at life.”
—NJ Transplant Center Social Worker