During American Heart Month, Lake Hopatcong Woman Celebrates Heart Transplant Anniversary and the Gift of Life

During American Heart Month,
Lake Hopatcong Woman
Celebrates Heart Transplant
Anniversary and the Gift of Life

(LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ) — February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and honor the strength of survivors, the generosity of organ and tissue donors, and the families whose selfless decisions make second chances possible.

For Josephine Riley, a mother of two from Lake Hopatcong, this month marks a powerful milestone: the anniversary of the heart transplant that saved her life. Her story carries added significance as more than 3,900 people across the United States continue to wait for a lifesaving heart transplant.

“My life changed forever in the early morning hours of April 2014. I collapsed next to my daughter Erin’s bed,” recalled Josephine. “She woke up, called 911, and started CPR. Without her, I wouldn’t be here.”

Josephine suffered a massive heart attack with no prior warning signs. What followed were weeks of emergency treatment and a long period of uncertainty as doctors worked to stabilize her condition. Her family was told that, if she survived, she would likely need mechanical heart support and would ultimately be placed on the heart transplant waiting list.

Two weeks after her heart attack, Josephine received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), allowing her to leave the hospital months later. She spent the remainder of the year in and out of the hospital, and in February 2015, while hospitalized, she finally received the call she had been waiting for—a heart had become available.

“It was exciting and terrifying all at once,” said Josephine. “I was incredibly grateful, but I also understood that another family was experiencing a profound loss.”

Josephine underwent heart transplant surgery during a winter snowstorm and spent additional time recovering as her body adjusted. In the weeks and months that followed, she committed herself to healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally—approaching each day with gratitude.

Since her transplant, Josephine has embraced life fully. She has traveled, attended concerts, purchased a home, watched her daughter graduate nursing school and get married. She also started her own small business, House of the Dog LLC, where she hand-sews dog bandanas and accessories. Her dog Thor proudly serves as the company’s mascot.

Today, Josephine is committed to sharing her story to help raise awareness for the mission of the NJ Sharing Network, encouraging others to learn about organ and tissue donation and the lifesaving impact it can have on patients and families. Each year, she honors her donor’s legacy by participating in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life as part of Team We Beat as One.

“There is no greater gift than the gift of life,” said Josep

hine. “One decision can give someone else the chance to keep living, loving, and making memories.”

As American Heart Month shines a spotlight on heart health and transplantation, Josephine hopes her story inspires others to take action and never take a single day for granted.

“Love wholeheartedly. Spread kindness. And never underestimate how powerful one decision can be,” said Josephine.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit 

NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

For information:
Contact: Gary Mignone, NJ Sharing Network
Email: gmignone@njsharingnetwork.org