Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), part of RWJBarnabas Health, brought together more than 200 organ transplant recipients, donors, family members, and caregivers to honor National Organ Donor Month at the second annual program, “From Donation to Transformation: Celebrating the Gift of Life.”
The event, organized by RWJUH Transplant Outreach Coordinator and Physician Liaison Emily Berls, RN, celebrated the life-changing impact of organ donation. Heart, kidney, and pancreas transplant recipients shared personal stories of resilience and gratitude, highlighting the transformative role of donors and the care teams at RWJUH.
Perth Amboy resident Raymond McKnight, a heart transplant recipient in 2015, reflected on the gift of life from his donor. “I hated to see him go, I hate to see anyone go, but I thank God for him being here for me,” he said. Similarly, Rodric Bowman of Roselle Park, who received a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant in 2025, emphasized the value of each day, crediting his recovery to the hospital team and family support. Carmella Rice, who received a life-saving heart transplant on Thanksgiving Day 2024, shared, “I feel amazing – life has completely turned around for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better present.”
Medical Directors at RWJUH hope the event inspires more people to consider organ donation.
“We are deeply grateful to our courageous patients for sharing their stories of resilience and hope to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation,” said Deepa Iyer, MD, Medical Director of RWJUH’s Heart Transplant Program. Neeraj Singh, MD, Medical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program, added, “Agreeing to be an organ donor is a simple, selfless act that can make a dramatic difference in the lives of many individuals and their families.”
RWJUH is home to comprehensive heart, kidney, and pancreas transplantation programs, including the nationally accredited LVAD program and Medicare-certified heart transplantation services. In 2024, the Heart Transplant and Advanced Heart Failure Program recorded more than 1,600 patient visits, while the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program had over 2,800 visits, offering living and deceased donor transplants for adults and pediatric patients.
The “From Donation to Transformation” event underscores RWJUH’s commitment to raising awareness about organ donation, celebrating patients’ journeys, and inspiring the community to give the gift of life.
