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Community Corner

Old Bridge Man Shows Gratitude for Girlfriend's Second Chance at Life

It was fate that brought Old Bridge resident, Ron Oswick, and his girlfriend, Tanya Piccini, together. They met four years ago, while both working at Morgan Stanley. It was then that Oswick noticed the scar on Piccini’s chest. He had to ask about it.

“I was completely floored and fascinated by the entire thing,” says Oswick.

Piccini had received a life-saving heart transplant. After suffering a stroke at the age of 11, she was diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. After the stroke, Piccini was hospitalized for three months before her family was notified that a heart had become available. She had the transplant surgery shortly after. Nineteen years later, Piccini is doing well; she recently started a career in nursing, a life-long dream, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York.

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Since the beginning of Oswick and Piccini’s relationship, they have participated in NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Walk & USATF-Certified Race every year.

“I was emotionally hooked”, explains Oswick. “I had never really thought about organ donation much before I met Tanya. If it weren’t for someone donating their heart 19 years ago, I wouldn’t have the love of my life today.”

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Oswick has been significantly dedicated to raising money and awareness for NJ Sharing Network. Team Second Chance, Oswick and Piccini’s 5K team, has raised more than $17,000 over the past four years. The team consists of about 20 family members and friends. Next year, in celebration of Piccini’s 20th anniversary, Oswick and Second Chance plan to raise $20,000 for the cause.

To sign up for NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Walk & USATF-Certified Race, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org or call 1-800-742-7365.


About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for New Jersey residents in need of life-saving transplants. NJ Sharing Network partners with Donate Life America, a not-for-profit national alliance that drives communities to increase their numbers of registered donors. NJ Sharing Network honors those who gave, pays tribute to those who received, offers hope to those who continue to wait, and remembers the lives lost while waiting...for the gift of life.

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