Collaboration brings Workplace Partnership for Life to 2004 New Jersey Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting

The New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCOM) invited Gift of Life Donor Program (GOLDP) and New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network (NJ Sharing Network) to participate in the 2004 NJCOM Annual Meeting on April 21st through 23rd to promote the national “Workplace Partnership for Life” (WPFL) initiative encouraging increased organ and tissue donation rates through the workplace.

Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WPFL invites corporations, government agencies, schools, businesses and organizations of all sizes to create a nationwide network of employers that offer personnel the information, the support, and the opportunity to donate life.

The collaboration to bring WPFL to the NJCOM annual meeting was initiated by Andrew Weber, Esq., a transplant recipient and member of the NJCOM Board of Directors. Weber received a non-compatible kidney from his wife, Rita, one year ago. Since his transplant, Weber has become a tireless advocate for organ donation. Weber was single-handedly responsible for coordinating the collaborative and giving GOLDP and NJ Sharing Network the opportunity to participate in the conference.

At the NJCOM Board of Directors’ meeting held on the unofficial first night of the conference, Weber provided a powerful testimonial that was followed by a presentation from Howard Nathan, President and CEO of GOLDP. The response from members of the NJCOM board of directors was overwhelming and set the pace for the remainder of the conference. Over 25 mayors in the central and northern New Jersey area expressed their willingness to participate in the initiative. As “Workplace Partners,” these mayors will work with NJ Sharing Network to educate employees in their municipality and/or jurisdiction about the importance and benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

NJ Sharing Network would like to thank Andrew and Rita Weber, NJCOM's exceptional staff and members and GOLDP for making this collaboration possible.

Key collaboration participants in front of the WPFL display at the NJCOM Annual Meeting (L-R): Timothy McDonough (Mayor Hope City/CEO NJ Transit/WPFL Workplace Partner), Howard Nathan, President and CEO GOLDP, Rita Weber, Andrew Weber, Shelly Morningstar, Community Education Coordinator GOLDP, Tara Artesi, Community Education Manager NJ Sharing Network and John Green, Community Relations Director GOLDP

Andrew and Rita almost ten months following Andrew's transplant.
You can check out their story at www.mykidneytransplant.com.