2016 Andrew Richard Jova

ANDREW RIAndrew Richard Jova_NJ Sharing NetworkCHARD JOVA

Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donor

Honored by New Jersey Sharing Network

At 17 years-old, Andrew Jova was a normal kid, about to start his senior year at Brick Township High School. Andrew was very active; he loved to play golf, lacrosse and football and spent time at the local skate park riding his bike.  On August 23, 2008, Andrew was involved in an accident and passed away mere days later.  After being told Andrew would not survive, the Jovas thought of the many people waiting for a miracle to happen, so they made the decision to donate.  This has become a way for them to honor and remember Andrew and all he had to offer, knowing if the choice was his to make, he would have chosen the same.

Andrew’s Story

Andrew Jova was born on July 3, 1991.  At 17 years-old, Andrew was a normal kid, about to start his senior year at Brick Township High School.  He had his drivers permit and was looking forward to taking his driving test in October. Andrew was very active; he loved to play golf, lacrosse and football and spent time at the local skate park riding his bike.  He also loved the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers.  Andrew was an active member in the community, participating in his church’s youth group,  involved in local mission work and also a member of the Jr. Firefighter program in Brick, NJ.  Andrew was a fun boy, full of life, energy and love.  He laughed with his family and argued with them, but he was so loved by all his friends and family. His presence is greatly missed.
Andrew died from a brain injury he sustained in an accident.  His heaven date is August 23, 2008.  His family spent a few days in the hospital waiting for a miracle to happen, but the miracle never came.  The waiting was horrible and after being told he would not survive, the Jovas thought of the many people waiting for their miracles to happen, so they made the decision to donate.  This has become a way for them to honor and remember Andrew and all he had to offer, knowing if the choice was his to make, he would have chosen the same.

 

Meeting Andrew’s heart recipient has been a huge part in the healing process for the Jova family.  His passing has also increased the awareness of organ donation in their friends and family tremendously.   A cousin and her husband, Kate and Bill Duerr, lost their daughter Caroline in March 2015 and they honored Caroline’s wishes to become an organ donor, which she had expressed a few years earlier.
Losing Andrew is still a daily struggle for the Jovas, but in their faith, they find comfort knowing that Andrew is home with Jesus and that donating his organs has given others the gift of life.