Hearts for Emma

06/17/2025

Our next fabulous fundraiser! Join us…💜💚💙

04/02/2025

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July! Thank you Colin, Hannah & friends for having a lemonade stand to raise funds for Hearts for Emma! If you are in the Lincroft area of NJ, please stop by.. 💜💚💙

04/20/2024

Have you heard of Pediatric Priority?
It can be beneficial for a child to be added to the transplant waiting list before reaching 18 years of age. This practice, known as pediatric priority, can impact kidney allocation, though its application varies depending on the organ type. If a child begins dialysis before turning 18 but is only added to the waiting list after their 18th birthday, they would not receive priority status.

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04/19/2024

Yesterday, as part of Donate Life month, we met Living Donor, Eric W. [1st row: center], and his transplant recipient Rosario [1st row: far left].

🎤 Eric, how has being a living kidney donor impacted your life?
"Despite giving a kidney, I haven't been limited physically in any way. Since donating I've run a marathon, compete regularly in sports, and continue living life on my own terms. The positive impact that came after my donation heavily outweighed any recovery limitations. My altruistic donation kicked off a 12 person paired exchange which resulted in 6 people receiving kidneys. this is a testament that a true act of goodwill always will spark another. As humans we are probed with small opportunities every day to do something kind without getting anything in return. I try to use my decision to donate as a reminder to do the "right" thing, as we never know what positive impact it may have for people."

🎤 What are ways you advocate for organ and tissue donation?
"Nancie [H4E's President] and I present to all of the Health/Driver's Education classes once a semester to educate the students about tissue and organ donation. We have found this is a relevant time for most of the students as they will be getting their driver's licenses and will have the option of choosing to be an organ donor. Additionally we've started the JT Vicci H4E Scholarship that we present to 2-3 graduating seniors who have been influenced by organ/tissue donation. We are in the 4th year and the scholarship funding has steadily increased."

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Living Donor, visit the link in our bio!
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04/18/2024

In 2023, more than 6,900 people made the decision to give one of their kidneys or a part of their liver to someone waiting for a second chance at life. In honor of Donate Life month, today, we spotlight a living kidney donor, and H4E supporter, Eric W.!

Photo description: Eric [left] and his kidney's recipient, Rosario [right] when they met for the first time after the transplant.

🎤 Eric, how did you learn about organ and tissue donation?
"I learned about organ and tissue donation when I attended my first H4E Gala in 2017. The event was incredibly informative, engaging, and entertaining."

🎤 What made you decide to be a living kidney donor?
"For me, it was the opportunity to make an impactful difference and the potential to save another human's life. I was presented with an opportunity and I asked myself the simple question "If I have the ability to save/improve someone's life, would I do it?" I hope to always answer "yes" to that question as giving life is the greatest gift of all."

Stay tuned for part 2!

If you'd like to learn about how to become a living donor visit transplantliving.org.

04/16/2024

⭐ Meet a Trustee ⭐ part 2!
Nancie is the founder and President of Hearts for Emma.

🎤 Nancie, what is your favorite aspect of running Hearts for Emma?

💜 Working alongside families during hospital bedside support is truly fulfilling. Over 12 years since our establishment, I've kept in touch with approximately 20 caregivers. Witnessing their children's growth and learning about their endeavors brings me immense joy. Knowing that the Hearts for Emma team has positively impacted these families' lives is incredibly rewarding.

💚 Receiving requests from hospital teams and strategizing the best ways to fulfill their needs is always exciting. The creation of our Hearts for Emma teddy bear was a delightful project. I make it a priority to support American-made products, preferably from eco-conscious and small businesses.

🩵 Our efforts in education and advocacy are profoundly gratifying. Advocating for organ and tissue donation, whether through school presentations or other forums, feels like contributing to a national movement. By raising awareness and promoting discussion, we've contributed to reducing the waitlist for transplants. If just one person decides to discuss their wishes with their loved ones after our presentations, it's a significant victory. Providing college scholarships is the cherry on top. Reading essays about how organ and tissue donation has impacted recipients' lives is both inspiring and moving. It's heartening to know that our scholarships support students who are deeply committed to this cause.

04/14/2024

The wait times for transplants can vary significantly. Unfortunately, not everyone who requires a transplant will receive one. Due to the scarcity of suitable organs for donation, just over 50% of individuals on the waiting list will undergo a transplant within five years.

Register to become a donor at the link in our bio! 💜💚🩵
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04/12/2024

Aaliyah's why:
"Communities of color are more likely to need lifesaving transplants, highlighting the importance of diversity in our donor pool. While patients can sometimes find matches from donors of different backgrounds, having a diverse group of donors significantly increases the chance of finding suitable matches for everyone in need."

Facts about organ donation across race & ethnicity:
💜 Out of 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, more than 60% of those waiting represent multicultural communities.
💚 The need for donation and transplant is more pronounced in minority communities where disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease contribute to organ failure, especially kidney failure.
🩵 On average, African American/Black transplant candidates wait longer than non-Black transplant candidates for kidney, heart, and lung transplants.

You, and those you love, can register to become organ and tissue donors at registerme.org!

Facts source: donatelife.net/donation/organ-donation-race-ethnicity/