Nj man marks 5-year heart transplant anniversary, advocates for organ donation awareness

NJ Man Marks 5-Year Heart Transplant Anniversary, Advocates for Organ Donation Awareness

New Providence, NJ – On February 14, a New Jersey man celebrates Valentine’s Day and the 5-year anniversary of his lifesaving heart transplant, highlighting the significance of National Donor Day. Born in Long Branch, NJ, 65-year-old Ronald Trout commemorates a new lease on life received through his heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Ronald’s story underscores the critical need for organ and tissue donation and its transformative effect on his existence.

Ronald expresses daily gratitude towards his donor, their family, and the medical team at NBI for the opportunity to cherish additional moments with family and friends. Despite facing severe health challenges, including a heart attack in 2012 followed by bypass surgery and pacemaker insertion, Ronald’s hopeful spirit remained ignited by a dream encouraging him to persevere. This resilience led to receiving a matching donor heart on February 14, 2019, coinciding with National Donor Day and Valentine’s Day, symbolizing a heartfelt tribute to the gift of life.

Since his transplant, Ronald has dedicated himself to supporting the NJ Sharing Network, aiming to boost organ and tissue donor registration. Through sharing his journey and poetic musings, he inspires others facing similar battles while contributing to a broader awareness of the lifesaving power of organ donation.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News