Ines Jahira Perez was a caring, bright, loving, funny, understanding, sharing and adorable 17- year old teenage girl. She had a brother, Michael, a sister, Basia, and a dog, Taz. Ines would have graduated high school in spring 2010, but her life was cut short on August 1, 2009, by a moped accident.

“I was able and willing to donate four of my daughter’s organs,” said Ines Rosa. “I feel they would have gone to waste and I figured that this would help someone. The NJ Sharing Network was very supportive at the hospital and thereafter. My aftercare coordinator Romelle has been such a blessing – a compassionate, caring person for all involved. In October 2009, nearly three months after my daughter’s death, Romelle came to my job to sit with me, my friends and co-workers to discuss questions we had. This gave me a sense of peace, as I had so many questions regarding Ines’ death and how organ donation works.”

On July 10, 2010, Ines’ family and friends met her pancreas and kidney recipient at the annual NJ Sharing Network Celebration of Life and Remembrance picnic. “The day before the picnic, we were very sad because it was Ines’ 18th birthday,” said her mother. “The picnic was very beautiful. Meeting her recipient gave us a sense of peace. To be able to see how good he looks and feels gave us our first natural smiles. I have experienced the worst thing in my life. But now and later in life, I can think of how many others were saved because of my daughter.”