Newark Women Celebrates Lung Transplant Anniversary

E. Denies Peoples, a Newark resident, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a lung disease that made breathing difficult for her in the early 2000s. 

She lived with IPF until receiving a double lung transplant on October 2, 2006.

“I am so grateful for my donor and my donor family,” said Peoples, in a press release by the NJ Sharing Network.

“There are no words that can fully express what their decision means to me. Every birthday, every holiday, every time I stand up and sing, I know that I am here because someone gave me a chance.” 

A Gift That Changed Everything

After receiving the life-saving care, Peoples began volunteering at the NJ Sharing Network—a  group dedicated to recovering and placing donated organs and tissue, supporting donor families, honoring the legacy of those who gave the gift of life and raising awareness about the power of organ donation and transplantation.

Now, Peoples works at the organization as the Manager of Strategic Partnerships, where she develops and leads outreach programs that educate students, healthcare professionals, faith-based organizations, community groups, and residents across New Jersey about organ and tissue donation, the release said. 

“Twenty years after [People’s] double lung transplant, she continues to make the most of every breath and use her experience to help others understand the importance of lung health and the extraordinary impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation,” Kelly Bonventre, Director of Communications and Hospital Development at NJ Sharing Network said in a statement.

Other organizations that help people waiting for organ transplants include: Donate Life America, The American Transplant Foundation and National Kidney Donation Organization 

These organizations work to encourage people to become organ donors, ease the financial burden for families of recipients and advocate for the importance of living kidney donors.

The Need Remains

Peoples’ story also highlights the ongoing need for organ donors across the country.

According to the United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), more than 95,000 people were waiting for a kidney transplant as of July 30, making kidneys the most-needed organ. Hundreds of others were waiting for heart, liver, lung, pancreas and other organ transplants.

For Peoples, the need is personal. The transplant that gave her a second chance at life also inspired her to help others understand the impact of organ donation and encourage more people to consider becoming donors.

Those interested in becoming an organ donor can learn more and sign up through HRSA.