The NJ Sharing Network is recognizing a Bayonne organ donor who passed away at 31 years old as part of honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.
By John Heinis/Hudso County View
“National Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and honor the generosity of local Hispanic organ and tissue donors and their families, who said ‘YES’ to saving and enhancing the lives of others,” NJ Sharing Network President and CEO Carolyn M. Welsh said in a statement.
“Their lifesaving impact is truly inspiring, but we must also use this opportunity to address the critical need for more individuals from this diverse community to register as organ and tissue donors. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation about donation continue to be major barriers, preventing some from joining the organ and tissue donor registry. By raising awareness and sharing local stories of hope, we can help break down these barriers and ensure that more lives are saved.”
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN), over 22,000 Hispanic individuals are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list.
In 2023, Hispanic Americans made up about 15 percent of all organ donors in the U.S. This number is steadily growing, though it still falls short compared to the need among Hispanic patients.
Nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people, according to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
As a young boy, Julian Rosado, 31, of Bayonne, was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Despite struggling in school and sports activities, he worked hard to earn a degree and became a successful OSHA-certified plumber.
In March 2021, Julian married his sweetheart, Nicole Marie Vallese. The couple looked forward to a bright future together and planned to buy a new home. Just three months later, an unthinkable tragedy occurred when Julian passed away following an accidental fall.
“My husband and I continually prayed for a miracle. We feel that our prayers were answered. It was not how we expected, but it was God’s way,” noted Mary Jane Rosado, Julian’s mother.
While the family continues to miss Julian, they are proud that his caring legacy lives on as an organ donor, where he was able to save the lives of three people.
“Now he is like a sunflower, who spreads seeds so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave others the gift of life.”
