SHARING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
“Speaking amongst all these heroes is probably one of the
greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” he says. “But they don’t do
it for rewards; they do it to help others. Fortunately, after I left
law enforcement, I was able to continue to help others, and
now I do it even more through the New Jersey Sharing Network.
Hopefully, just by talking to people, we can encourage them to
become organ donors.”
Such conversation, according to Lue Raia, is the most vital
component of the organization’s mission to spread awareness. “Education first, registration second; conversation, first
and second,” she says. “So that, when the time comes for potential recovery, we can facilitate the giving and sharing of the
gift quicker so we can have, hopefully, better outcomes in the
transplant.”
Facilitating conversation seems to be what drives Lue Raia’s
spirit as an organizer, and as a compassionate individual. As
living donors, recipients and volunteers gather for the Network’s pot luck party at Bergen County Community College
on Election Day, she sits on top of a laminate desk inviting attendees around the room to share their latest news items, future plans and personal triumphs. One father, whose daughter
donated her heart valve after a fatal car accident, discusses the
moment he remembered his daughter’s wish to donate from a
brief discussion they had together years earlier. “It clicks right
away,” he says.
As Lue Raia engages the civilian community, Jackson works
to open lines of communication with law enforcement and first
responders who, he believes, are the people who just might be
the key to growing an already substantial force of registered donors. “They always like to help,” he says. “So, if they can spread
the word about organ and tissue donation, it’s their way of
50
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2016
Retired Officer Russ Jackson addressed the October NJ State PBA meeting on
behalf of the NJ Sharing Network and the NJ Sharing network team, including
Assistant Director of Resource Development Jackie Lue Raia was on hand to
promote organ and tissue donor programs.
helping out the community even further.”
Both Lue Raia and Jackson agree the world of organ and tissue sharing would not exist without the strength and compassion of first responders. Their expert training, inexhaustible
work ethic and, most important, willingness to help others
allows the New Jersey Sharing Network to advance its mission
and continue giving the gift of life. And, in the spirit of sharing
and gratitude, Jackson has a message for his fellow officers: “If
you’re reading this, please continue the good work, and be safe
out there.” d