My son’s legacy endures through organ donations | Opinion

By Sharon Marino

I lost my son, Nicholas Marino, far too soon, at just 24 years old. A young man with a passion for sports, a love for family, and a kindness that radiated in every part of his life, Nick had so much yet to give. But in an unexpected way, his spirit still lives on — through the lives he saved as an organ donor.

It wasn’t long before his passing that we had a conversation I’ll never forget. Nick, who played football and other sports from age five, had a series of injuries. One day, after his doctor mentioned he would require donated bone for an upcoming shoulder surgery, Nick asked me a question that planted a seed I’d never considered before.

“Mom, are you a registered organ donor?” he asked. When I told him I wasn’t, he said, “Look at me, Mom. Someone who donated tissue will help me heal. Why wouldn’t you want to help someone when they need it most?”

Just weeks later, Nick passed away unexpectedly.

In those first painful days, his words echoed in my mind, bringing me comfort and guiding me to honor his decision to be an organ donor.

Thanks to Nick’s selfless decision, five people were given a second chance at life. His heart, liver, lungs, and kidney were matched with recipients in critical need. While his absence is a wound that time will never fully heal, knowing he saved lives has been a source of healing for me and our family.

One of the people that Nick saved is Daniel, who received Nick’s liver. Daniel, a single father of two young girls, was told he had only days left to live. The day his daughters were brought into his hospital room to say their tearful goodbyes, he received the news of a lifetime – a liver match had been found.

In the years since, Daniel has not only survived but thrived, welcoming another child with his new wife. He has become like family to us, even asking my older son, Michael, to be his youngest child’s godfather.

Nick’s gifts have also forged connections with others. His heart now beats inside of Jay, and his lungs breathe life into two other grateful recipients. Through letters, visits, and shared experiences, each of these people has shown me how far-reaching Nick’s impact has been.

In fact, Nick’s gifts have inspired even more acts of compassion. His kidney recipient, a father who later lost his own son, chose to donate his son’s organs, carrying forward the legacy of life-giving kindness. Each time I hear of another life saved, another family healed, or another child given the gift of a parent’s presence, I am reminded that Nick’s story did not end with his passing.

Through the support of NJ Sharing Network, I have found not only comfort but also a purpose — to encourage others to consider registering as organ and tissue donors. NJSN’s caring team has been by my side since the day Nick died in 2015, guiding our family and ensuring that Nick’s legacy reaches beyond our grief to bring hope to others.

As his mother, I want everyone to understand that organ donation doesn’t just save lives; it has the power to help donor families heal, giving them a sense of purpose and connection during their darkest times.

Sharon Marino of Branchville is a lifelong New Jerseyan and a 3rd grade elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania.

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