GREEN BROOK, N.J. — This Veterans Day, Joseph Doll, a Vietnam War veteran from Green Brook, is reflecting on two remarkable milestones in his life: his service to the country and the ten-year anniversary of a lifesaving heart transplant.
A decade ago, Doll faced advanced heart failure due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. After years of battling chronic heart disease, he received a new heart on October 16, 2014, thanks to the generosity of an organ donor. Today, Doll is a passionate advocate for NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donation in New Jersey.
“Organ donation gave me my life back and has allowed me to experience many incredible moments,” Doll said. “I encourage everyone to register as organ and tissue donors. You can truly make a difference and save lives.”
Doll’s journey with heart disease began early. Shortly after returning from Vietnam, he was diagnosed with chronic hypertension, which led to multiple heart procedures over the years, including a triple bypass and valve replacements. But as his condition worsened, Doll was told that a heart transplant was his only option. Facing the emotional and physical challenges of the transplant process, Doll placed his faith in his doctors and his family, including his wife Harriette, who was then undergoing her own battle with thyroid cancer.
Doll’s transplant was successful, and just two days later, he welcomed his first granddaughter, Reagan. “Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my donor Steven and his family,” Doll said. “They gave me the ultimate gift—a second chance at life. Meeting Steven’s family in person at NJ Sharing Network was one of the most profound moments of my life. We are like family now.”
The Doll family has faced additional health challenges in the years since. Seven weeks after Doll’s transplant, Harriette had her cancerous thyroid removed and went on to enjoy years of good health. Recently, however, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and the couple remains hopeful as they continue to support each other.
Now ten years after his transplant, Doll is living life to the fullest. He takes long walks, travels, and spends as much time as possible with his family. “Waking up every morning and knowing I get to be here for these moments is the greatest feeling,” he said. “I am living proof of the difference an organ donor can make. It’s the greatest gift you can give—saving someone’s life.”
Through his advocacy with NJ Sharing Network, Doll hopes to inspire others to consider organ donation, helping give more people the same second chance he was granted.