According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN), over 22,000 Hispanic individuals are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. Roughly 15% of all organ donors in the U.S. are Hispanic, with the number continuing to grow at a steady rate. Despite this statistic, not enough Hispanics are receiving the care that they need in comparison to the number of donors.
Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the history and culture of Hispanic citizens across the world. To partake in the festivities, NJ Sharing Network will be honoring the significant contributions made by Hispanic Americans, especially revolving around supporting tissue and organ donation.
“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and honor the generosity of local Hispanic organ and tissue donors and their families, who said ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of others,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “Their lifesaving impact is truly inspiring, but we must also use this opportunity to address the critical need for more individuals from this diverse community to register as organ and tissue donors. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation about donation continue to be major barriers, preventing some from joining the organ and tissue donor registry. By raising awareness and sharing local stories of hope, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that more lives are saved.”
Myths claiming that doctors will not try as hard to save the lives of a organ or tissue donor have led to hesitation among Hispanic patient when it comes to registerting as a donor. Religious beliefs against tissue and organ donation have also contributed to the lack of Hispanic patients registering. Multiple organizations, including NJ Sharing Network are working to try and increase this number by teaching Hispanics about the safety and importance of donating.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), almost 4,000 NJ citizens are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Just one organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and help over 75 people.
To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Stories of NJ Organ Donors
Julian Rosado of Bayonne, New Jersey was always one to bring the energy and liveliness to those around him. As a child, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD. Despite struggles in school and sports, he persevered and earned his degree, becoming an OSHA-certified plumber.
“He was like a ray of sunshine,” said Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother. “He was quirky and funny, and always had a positive spirit and energy. He especially loved his daughters, Julianna and Cheyenne.”
In 2021, Rosado married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple was mapping out their future together, when the unthinkable happened. Rosado passed away at just 31 years old from an accidental fall.
“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle,” said Mary Jane. “We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way.”
As his family continues to mourn, Rosado has still helped people even after his passing, as an organ donor. Thanks to him, 3 lives have been saved.
Freddy Diaz, Englewood
Freddy Diaz always greeted his friends and family with bright smiles and passionate hugs. He enjoyed music and basketball, among other things, but his greatest joy came from helping others. Unfortunately, Diaz passed on Jan. 25, 2022 at the age of 23.
“He was my life, and we are all in pain every day since he has been gone,” said Lucy Villa, Freddy’s mother. “We will remember him for being someone who thought about what others needed before what he needed in life.”
Through his organ donation, Diaz has saved the lives of 7 people, including a 6-month old boy.
While both of these men may be gone now their legacy lives on through the impact that they have made on those in need after their passing. With their urge to help others never failing.