Dr. Samuel L. Kountz, an African American kidney transplantation surgeon, is honored and remembered during Black History Month and throughout the year for his pioneering work, research, discoveries and inventions in Renal Science.
In 1961, Dr. Kountz performed the first successful transplant between humans who were not identical twins.
He and a team of researchers developed the prototype for a kidney perfusion machine that is now standard equipment in hospitals and research laboratories around the world.
Locally in the Garden State, NJ Sharing Network joins in the celebration of Black History Month by sharing inspirational stories of hope of local organ and tissue donor heroes and their families who embody its life-saving mission.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a life-saving transplant, and 67% are people of color.
Just one organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.
“Each year in New Jersey, thousands of lives are saved and enhanced through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Clearly, this is something to celebrate. However, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation to help save more lives in our diverse communities of New Jersey,” Joe Roth, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, said.
“Although organs are not matched according to race and ethnicity, and people of different races frequently match one another, all individuals waiting for an organ transplant will have a better chance of receiving one if there are large numbers of donors from multicultural communities.”
A Kid at Heart – Forever a Hero
Maurice Murchison, 47, of Elizabeth, was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around. His family and many friends always called him a “big kid,” and his playful personality and hearty laugh would instantly brighten any room.
On November 16, 2020, the Murchison family’s “angel” earned his wings when Maurice tragically passed away following a stroke.
Maurice had made the selfless decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. He proved to be a true blessing for many others.
His kidneys and lungs were successfully transplanted to save lives, and his liver and pancreas were donated for clinical research. Maurice’s tissue donations will also enhance the lives of more than 75 others.
“Maurice’s legacy will live on forever. He exemplified the giving spirit that exists in our diverse communities throughout New Jersey,” Roth said.
“Our NJ Sharing Network family celebrates and honors Maurice and all donor heroes for their selfless decision to save and enhance the lives of countless others who now have more holidays, birthdays and special moments to share with their loved ones.”
A lifelong Elizabeth resident, Maurice will be remembered for the joy he brought to others and for his simple love for being in the company of his family.
He especially enjoyed playing video games and challenging his nine nephews and nieces to show them that, despite his age, he was the “Top Gamer” in the family.
“Maurice was ‘the baby’ in our family, and he was definitely a kid at heart all the way,” Marcia McGowan, Maurice’s sister, said.
“He had great charisma and everyone seemed to connect with Maurice. He had an amazing ability to enjoy the little things in life, and he would show it with his big, toothy smile. He just had a heart of gold.”
Maurice’s father Eugene and his siblings, Marcia, James and Germaine, will never forget the time that Maurice took the entire family out to eat and was happy to pay the bill.
“He was always giving to others and would do anything he could to spend time with everyone he loved,” Marcia said.
When Maurice passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the medical team notified his family that he was a registered organ and tissue donor, underscoring his desire to save and enhance the lives of others.
Marcia credits the hospital staff and NJ Sharing Network team for their caring support during an emotional and difficult time for their family.
“We were not aware that Maurice was a registered donor until we were told at the hospital,” Marcia said.
“My father was definitely a bit hesitant and unsure at first. But then, I spoke with my dad to explain that Maurice was doing a good deed to leave a legacy and let someone else live on. We are thankful that NJ Sharing Network was there for us and continues to honor and remember Maurice and his legacy.”
After having that important conversation, the entire family began to recognize organ and tissue donation as a beautiful miracle.
They also understood that Maurice’s decision was just another way for him to show his compassion for others.
“We can all help someone else, and that’s what Maurice would have wanted,” said Marcia.
“That day, we were all reminded to give our blessings to someone else. Checking that box to be an organ donor gives hope to someone that needs another chance to live life to its fullest.”
The Murchison family now makes it a priority to keep Maurice’s memory alive and vibrant. Each family get-together has added meaning and joy because they know Maurice’s spirit is with them.
Maurice’s family and friends also created a team in his honor for NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life.
In July, they celebrated Maurice’s birthday by visiting NJ Sharing Network’s Landscape of Life Meditation Garden and followed it with a dinner celebration that would have made Maurice proud.
Marcia also points out another important way that Maurice has forever touched the lives of those around him.
“It was funny to hear how many of our friends admitted that they never really thought about organ donation until Maurice passed,” said Marcia.
“I had several family members and friends come up to me and say ‘hey, that’s the right thing to do — I am going to change my license to be an organ donor.’ Maurice has shown others what a beautiful thing it is to give another person a chance to live.”
Maurice and all donor heroes remind us that even the simplest act of kindness can make a world of difference to those around us. You can make a difference today by registering as an organ and tissue donor at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.