Team Andrew
Team Andrew was created in memory of Andrew Jova. Andrew was born July 3, 1991. His heaven date is August 23, 2008. Andrew was about to start his senior year in high school. He was an active member in our church’s youth group and a member of the Jr. Firefighters program in Brick, NJ. Andrew loved to play golf, lacrosse and football. He loved the Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. He was a fun boy full of energy. We made the decision to donate his organs after spending a few days in the hospital waiting for things to get better. Losing Andrew is a daily struggle but we have faith that Andrew is home with Jesus and donating his organs has made it possible for others to live. Team Andrew brings awareness to organ and tissue donation and honors the memory of our sweet, crazy Andrew.

Betsy's Dash
Team Betsy’s Dash was created in memory of Betsy Niles. On March 30, 2011 Betsy was walking to catch the train to work in NYC and was hit by a van just yards short of the Upper Montclair train station. Betsy passed away the following day as a result of a serious head injury. In January of that year, Betsy celebrated her 60th birthday and was a vibrant and loving woman. A mother, a grandmother, a loving companion and the closest of friends to many, many people. As devastating as her death has been, her ability to be an organ donor became a timely gift to many individuals in need and inspired her family and friends to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life. The team name, Betsy’s Dash, was inspired by Linda Ellis’ poem, The Dash, a beautiful poem with the message that what is really important in life is the dash between one’s date of their birth and one’s date of their death. Betsy’s Dash has participated in every 5K since the inception of the event and look forward to coming together again this year.

Biff's Gifts
Giving Back… Words and Actions Randy lived by. Dr. Randall Giles was a husband, father, son, uncle, god-father, nephew, cousin and friend. He would give you the shirt off his back and ask if you needed pants. Randy’s untimely death in 2012 rocked our world but made his words and actions come to light. Early on, Randy made the decision to give the gift of life and we believe that was his way of bringing team Biff’s Gifts together. We, his family and friends, honor him by giving of our time and treasure to the NJ Sharing Network and 5K Celebration of Life every year. We believe Randy would be proud of the participation of his team. He would celebrate the success and awareness that Biff’s Gifts has brought to the donation and transplant community.

Breezy's Brigade
Briann Lentine, a vivacious young woman, passed away suddenly on October 18th, 2022, at age 31. Breezy’s Brigade was formed to honor Briann’s life and the impact she left on all of those who had the pleasure to know her. She was a loving daughter, sister and friend to so many although her favorite title was dog mom to her sweet baby Clover. Professionally, she worked as a high school guidance counselor for Middletown South and a bartender at Donovan’s Reef during the Summer months. She truly enjoyed the work that she did and cared so deeply for her students. Briann had a love for the Green Bay Packers and Harry Potter; if she could have created a spell for more Super Bowl Championships, she would have! She also had a passion for running and that brought our family together for many 5K races, something we truly enjoy. Briann, the selfless woman she was, made the decision to be an organ donor, saving five lives in the process. To witness the effect that decision has had on so many is remarkable. This is Breezy’s Brigade’s first NJ Sharing Network 5K and we look forward to celebrating the lives of donors, recipients and all those who love them so deeply.

David's Flock
David’s Flock was created in memory of David Bird, a 2004 liver transplant recipient and avid supporter of organ and tissue donation. David championed the cause in New Jersey and New York by competing in the NJ Sharing Network 5K, cycling in the NYC Triathlon and running the 2013 NYC Marathon to raise funds and awareness for organ and tissue donation. A member of Team Liberty, David was thrilled to compete in the 2008 and 2010 Transplant Games. David always had his donor and her family in his heart and mind, especially when he competed. Our team honors David for his zest in life, his donor who gave him renewed life, and all donors who give the gift of life.

Team DeLeo: Christel's Light
Christel DeLeo was one of the most loving, caring and kind people that you could ever meet. Her bright smile and infectious personality brought joy and happiness to everyone that crossed her path. Christel was always a devoted advocate for organ and tissue donation, and often encouraged others to register. On July 17, 2021, Christel passed away suddenly, at age 48, from complications resulting from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Her gift of donation was able to enhance the lives of many people, including giving the gift of sight to two individuals. Her generosity and loving spirit continues to carry on through every one of her friends, family members and the lives of people impacted by her selfless gift. Christel’s Light was founded in 2021 to honor her gift and to further the message about organ and tissue donation.

Team Devon
Team Devon was created in memory of Devon Lewis - beloved son, brother, uncle, fiancé and friend. He was only 23 years old when he passed away suddenly in April of 2022.  Devon was a very passionate man and was very protective over all his loved ones. He loved to learn, especially when it came to history and the sciences, He found solace in nature and would research and watch animals frequently. Devon loved to be a part of the gaming community where he was well-known and loved by many. He received his HVAC certification in December of 2021 and graduated with a 3.87 GPA. Unfortunately, he did not get a chance to pursue his career. His gift of donation was able to enhance the lives of many people, including a 15-year-old girl who received his heart, an 11-year-old girl who received a tendon for her knee and a young woman who received a cornea – all of who have reached out to us with gratitude and love for our hero Devon. Our first 5k was in 2023. We plan to participate every year to honor and remember him and to celebrate the life and legacy Devon left behind. 

HHS Donate Life Club
Hillsborough High School Donate Life Club was started in March 2017 by Zachary Roth to honor his brother, Matthew.  Matthew was killed by street racing drunk drivers on July 19, 2015. Matthew saved 5 lives through organ donation (heart, liver, pancreas, both kidneys and one lung).  He also donated his corneas to provide the gift of sight. Matthew loved sports and was an avid Rangers, Jets and Mets fan, along with his alma mater, The University of Maryland Terps. Matthew graduated from the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business in 2013 with a double major in Accounting and Finance and passed his CPA exam the first time he took it. Matthew loved spending time with family and friends, traveling and music. Matthew will always be remembered for his big smile, infectious laugh and kind heart. He would go out of his way to help people and never judged anyone. Matthew lived by his motto; work hard but play hard too. Team HHS Donate Life raises funds for NJ Sharing Network so they can continue their lifesaving programs and walks to honor Matthew Roth, Jared Colon and Joseph Hernandez who were all HHS students and organ and tissue donors.

Team Luke
Luke David Bautista was born on April Fool’s Day 2001. He brought love and laughter to everyone he came in contact with during his entirely too short 15 years. Luke had a great love of music, a passion for creating movies and videos and truly lived his life in a remarkable way. Luke’s light continues to live on within the people he was able to save through organ donations. He was able to provide five life-saving gifts and along with his tissue donations, he has helped close to 100 people. He is truly a hero but not only through the gifts he provided. He is a hero because of the way he lived his life and the impact he had on so many people. He made every moment of his life count and his family and friends come together each year as Team Luke to continue his legacy.

Team Lung Distance
My story started at the age of 27, I signed up for my first ever 5 mile run but when I started training I realized I could not run for more than 30 seconds without being out of breath and wheezing. After multiple tests and visiting various specialists, I was diagnosed with a rare lung disease in which my doctors explained as being a terminally ill disease. My health declined rapidly and I was put on oxygen 24/7 just 1 short year later. My lungs continued to slowly collapse, were very weak, and were at 19% capacity. At this point my only chance of survival was to be listed on the organ donation list to receive 2 lungs. My prayers were answered when I received the call early that April morning in 2017. Now 5 years later, I feel like a normal person again and my quality of life has significantly improved. I even completed that 5 mile run! But the second part to my miracle is that I have met my donor family and have a great relationship with them. Check out their team page, Caitlin Gives. Caitlin is now my angel, because of her selflessness I am alive today.

Max’s Mitzvah Movers
Sam Prince was born with multiple congenital heart defects which kept him from engaging in the typical joys of childhood, such as going to school, riding a bike and running through the playground. For the first seven years of his life, Sam thrived as best he could, undergoing numerous surgeries and depending on medication. When he was 8-years-old, he received a life-saving heart transplant at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at New York-Presbyterian. Sam’s brother, Max, wanted to do something special in honor of his brother for his Bar Mitzvah project in 2012 and started the Max’s Mitzvah Movers team for the 5K Celebration of Life. Sam, Max and their entire team have been at every 5K since, walking in honor of Sam’s transplant and the generous donor that gave him the gift of life.  Sam recently celebrated his 10th Anniversary with his new heart.

Team Rey Rey
Ezequiel and Iris Garcia did as many Puerto Ricans have been doing for decades, they came to the United States looking for better opportunities. They fulfilled their American Dream by establishing roots in Newark, getting good jobs, buying their own home, starting a family and living a decent, productive life giving of their talents and knowledge to others. On September 11, 2011 their lives changed forever when their middle son, Reinaldo, was called to heaven. Reinaldo was an excellent teacher, coach and son that any parent would like to have. Reinaldo was lovingly nicknamed Rey, which means king. Team Rey Rey was created to celebrate Reinaldo’s life, help raise awareness about donation and transplantation and support NJ Sharing Network in every way. Team Rey Rey is proud to honor the excellent person that did so much in such a short time and who even after his passing, is still giving.

Shine Brighter
Courtney Wilczewski, our amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend to all that knew her,  was killed in May of 2015. They say that each life has a beginning, middle and end. It should not be measured in years, but what we do with the time we are here. Courtney’s entire life was devoted to family, friends and service. She was bright, passionate and on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a physician. She was determined to help all people, advocate for those less fortunate and volunteered as often as possible. Courtney was loyal, feisty and had the most infectious laugh and smile. Our bright light is missed but we will continue to spread love in her honor for the rest of our life. To borrow an old saying, carve your names on hearts, not tombstones. Your legacy is etched in the minds of others as by the stories they share about you. While Courtney’s life ended way too soon, she has left us with many life lessons, stories and memories that will last forever. Her final gift of donation has helped 133 people. 

Some Assembly Required
Team Some Assembly Required celebrates the second life of James, as the result of a successful liver transplant, and honors his donor’s miraculous gift. The first Celebration of Life his team attended, Jim was still very ill. So they sat at the finish line and cheered every single participant. Now they walk together – in rain, in shine – and continue to be awed and humbled by how many lives have been touched by organ donation.  Jim’s team is all about having heart – even if what you may really need is a brand new liver. The book Some Assembly Required: A True Story of Love and Organ Transplants (coming out in May 2021 from publisher Black Rose Writing and written by James' wife) chronicles this adventure of hope and healing.

Tyler’s Tight Lines
On February 11, 2019 Lorie Rodimer got the call no mother wants to get, “there’s been an accident.” Lorie’s son Tyler, forever 23, was in an accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Two months and many surgeries later, Tyler’s family was told he was never going to wake up. His family was then approached by NJ Sharing Network because Tyler was a registered organ donor. Tyler always did the right thing and this was no exception. This was going to be his final act of kindness. Tyler saved three people on that fateful day he was taken off the respirator with his liver and both kidneys. His heart valves helped 2 people with genetic disorders, and 16 different people were helped with his skin donation, 12 of them were women that had a mastectomy and needed skin to heal. All of this was a balm for Lorie’s broken heart! So, Tyler’s Tight Lines walks for Tyler, for a generous young man who gave of himself on his worst day, so someone else could have their best day. Walking is a way to honor and remember him and to bring all the people who love him together. Their team also walk to bring awareness about the importance of organ donation, and to support the NJ Sharing Network.

W.W.G.D (What Would Guy Do?)
Team W.W.G.D (What Would Guy Do?) was created to honor the man, the myth, the legend, and our hero Guy Lazur. The team was created by his loving wife and daughters Christine, Alicia and Caroline. Guy was born a preemie on June 23rd, 1954 and almost didn’t make it passed his actual birthday! We believe that somehow, because of that experience, he always knew to live his 64 years to the fullest and appreciate every day as a gift. If you even just knew Guy through stories, you knew he was the very essence of compassion and kindness. He was always there for his family, friends, coworkers and would give a stranger the shirt off his back in times of need. Not surprising that he left this Earth a hero on September 8, 2018, donating his organs to others who needed their lives saved. He also was often recognized  by his LOUD laugh and was known for his sense of humor that was truly one of a kind, immediately dissolving you into laughter. His joy for life transmitted wherever he took his smile and lit up a room.