Quilts of Love
November 14, 2008
Beginning next month, a poignant exhibit in Berkeley Heights will spotlight those whose brave decision meant the gift of life for a stranger.
The display will feature nineteen quilts, each with squares made by a family to honor their loved one who became an organ donor. A Hero’s Gift, Quilts of Love is from the NJ Sharing Network, a group that supports organ and tissue donation and commemorates the stories of these sacrifices and the lives saved.
The exhibit will be held in the Lawrence Pavilion of the Summit Medical Group, and opens with a panel discussion and reception on December 2nd.
Each square on the quilts tells a person’s story, simply and elegantly, often with a photo or portrait and mementos. Some are tragically young, others are parents whose children have signed the quilts and attached logos from favored sports teams and television shows.
Christine Ritter of South Plainfield lost her son Jim in a skiing accident when he was on spring break from his studies at Villanova Law School. She says his heart valve went to save the life of a youngster in Hawaii.
“By donating, and helping somebody else, you help yourself heal a little faster,” she says.
You can find a display of three of the quilts on the Share NJ website at http://www.sharenj.org/communities%20and%20partners/donor%20family%20services/quilts%20of%20love.htm.
Beginning next year, New Jersey drivers can indicate on their driver’s license applications and renewals whether they want to become organ donors. In addition, information about organ donation will become part of the curriculum at the state’s public schools.
Christine, and the other members of NJ Sharing Network lobbied strongly for these measures, pointing to the thousands of people (4430 as of this writing) in need of transplants in the state.
Passage of the legislation is “a sign from Jim that this was something I was supposed to do,” Christine believes. If you need convincing, this exhibit, demonstrating the partnership of great loss and new hope, should be enough.
Recent Articles
- Grand Openings
January 05, 2009 - Weekend Picks: Causes, Concerts, Cabaret
December 18, 2008 - Food: Our Picks For 2008
December 17, 2008 - Imagination Outlet
December 16, 2008 - The Best Therapy
December 15, 2008 - Read More, Spend Less
December 12, 2008 - ... Archived Articles