NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life to Unite Thousands of Organ and Tissue Donation Supporters

in Ocean Grove on May 20

EVENT NAME:

NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race

DATE:

Saturday, May 20, 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:

Ocean Pathway in Ocean Grove, NJ

ABOUT THE EVENT:

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will be held on Saturday, May 20, on the Ocean Pathway in Ocean Grove, NJ. The event, which is presented by Hackensack Meridian 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, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education.

To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.

Paul Jova of Brick, NJ, Chair of the Ocean Grove 5K Celebration of Life, has a powerful connection to NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission. He is the father of organ and tissue donor, Andrew Jova, who passed away in 2008. Paul and his wife, Jen, created Team Andrew 12 years ago to honor Andrew’s memory.

“We made the decision to donate Andrew’s organs after spending a few days in the hospital waiting for things to get better. Losing Andrew is still a daily struggle, but we have found comfort in knowing that donating his organs has made it possible for others to live. Our 5K team is excited to help bring awareness to organ and tissue donation and honor the memory of our sweet Andrew,” said Jova.

In addition to the May 20 event in Ocean Grove, a 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will also be held on Sunday, June 11, at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ. This event location will be presented by RWJBarnabas Health.

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 Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.