NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – NJ Sharing Network is celebrating Black History Month by spotlighting the remarkable survival and advocacy journey of Muran Veniszee, a 42-year-old North Brunswick resident.
Following a life-saving heart and liver transplant, Veniszee has become a fervent advocate for the organization, encouraging individuals to register as organ and tissue donors. NJ Sharing Network, a non-profit entity designated for organ and tissue recovery in New Jersey, aims to save and enhance lives through its mission.
Muran Veniszee’s life was transformed on March 25, 2010, when he received a transplant that marked the beginning of his recovery from Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. Despite facing significant health challenges from a young age, including being told he would not live past ten, Veniszee has defied the odds. His condition dramatically worsened during his junior year at Bloomfield College, leading to congestive heart failure and the urgent need for a heart and liver transplant.
Post-transplant, Veniszee has not only lived life to its fullest, celebrating numerous achievements such as earning a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and becoming a certified surgical technician, but he has also founded Hearts N Hand. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing education, inspiration, hope, and support to those dealing with heart and liver diseases. Through various platforms, including podcasts, radio shows, and forums, he actively promotes organ and tissue donation awareness.
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) reports that nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently awaiting life-saving transplants, with 68% being people of color. Veniszee’s efforts, along with those of NJ Sharing Network’s volunteers, staff, and community partners, aim to educate and debunk myths about organ and tissue donation across the state’s diverse communities.
Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, praised the collective endeavor to spread awareness and encourage more people to become organ and tissue donors. Veniszee’s story is not only a testament to his personal strength and gratitude towards his donor and their family but also serves as a powerful message on the importance of organ and tissue donation across all communities.
For those interested in learning more or registering as organ and tissue donors, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
