One of NJ’s Largest 5K Events!
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Will Unite Thousands of Organ and Tissue Donation Supporters in New Providence on June 11
EVENT NAME:
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race
DATE:
Sunday, June 11, 2023
TIME:
7:30 a.m. – Event Begins with Music, Entertainment, Dancing, Refreshments, Sponsor Village, and Giveaways
8:30 a.m. – USATF Certified Race Begins
10:00 a.m. – Walk Begins
LOCATION:
NJ Sharing Network, 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ
DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT:
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will be held on Sunday, June 11, at NJ Sharing Network, 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. The event, which is presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable events. It brings together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and dedicated volunteers and advocates. Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors will support the Sharing Network Foundation.
To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or make a contribution to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.
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.
LOCAL STORIES OF HOPE
Team “Heart to Heart” is just one of the many 5K teams that will be participating in the June 11 event. Family members and friends of Gina Westhoven of Lodi will come together to celebrate Gina’s life-saving heart transplant, honor the memory of her donor hero, and show their support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission.
Five years ago, Gina began to face serious health issues for the first time in her life. She felt zapped of energy and often struggled to breathe and walk. On December 14, 2020, she received the call that a donated heart was available. The next day, she underwent a successful transplant surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Now, Gina continues to honor her donor and takes pride in her life-saving work as an EMT.
“My heart is my new best friend – to honor my donor I know I must protect it,” said Gina. “When I look in the mirror, I see my scar and it reminds me that I am truly alive. I keep telling my family, friends, and co-workers that ‘Gina Version 2.0’ is better than ever!”
PHOTO CREDITS: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network
