Last year, New Jersey Sharing Network proudly celebrated its 35th anniversary. While many things have changed since their founding in 1987, their dedication to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation has only grown.

In keeping with an annual tradition that began in April 2003, NJ Sharing Network observes Donate Life Month with activities to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors, to encourage organ donor registration, and to honor those who saved lives through the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Following April’s advocacy and enlightenment, NJ Sharing Network has slated two 5K Celebration of Life Walks and USATF (USA Track & Field) Certified Races – one in Ocean Grove on May 20, and the second in New Providence on June 11.

The 5K Celebration of Life is a healing and uplifting experience for those whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Since the inaugural 5K Celebration of Life held in 2011, nearly $12 million has been raised at 21 different events, where more than 90,000 runners and walkers have logged in over 165,000 miles!

This year’s events, sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health and Hackensack Meridian Health, will bring together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and dedicated volunteers. Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors will support the Sharing Network Foundation.

According to Rudy DiGilio, from Washington Township, “I’ve been involved with New Jersey Sharing Network for five years as a donor, advocate and 5K participant. Having gotten to know the donor families and transplant recipients, I can say that the importance of this effort can not be overstated.”

It’s more than a 5K… It’s a Celebration of Life!

• Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Ocean Pathway in Ocean Grove
7:30am – Event begins with music, entertainment, dancing, kids’ activities, refreshments, sponsor village, and giveaways
8:30am – USATF Certified race begins
10:00am – Walk begins

• Sunday, June 11, 2023 at NJ Sharing Network HQ, 691 Central Avenue, New Providence
7:30am – Event begins with music, entertainment, dancing, kids’ activities, refreshments, sponsor village, and giveaways
8:30am – USATF Certified race begins
10:00am – Walk begins

Through the 5K Celebration of Life, the Sharing Network Foundation is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through innovative transplant research, family support, public awareness and education about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

For more information about the Celebration of Life, or to participate or make a donation, visit www.sharingnetworkfoundation.org/5k