Starting a new school year means new opportunities. Whether it means meeting new friends, or starting new classes it is always good to try something new. A new club is a great way to get involved and make new friends.

One club that was created last year is the Donate Life Club. This was founded by current senior Zach Roth honoring his brother, Matthew, and former students Jared Colon and Joseph Hernandez. Roth not only started this club to honor them, but to spread awareness about the importance of organ donors.

“I started the Donate Life Club  to honor my brother, Matthew,” Roth said. “Matthew was killed by street racing drunk drivers on July 19, 2015. Matthew graduated from HHS in 2009 and was living in Arlington, Virginia. Matthew’s wishes were to be an organ donor. He saved five lives through organ donation (heart, liver, pancreas, both kidneys and one lung).  He also donated his corneas to provide the gift of sight.”

Today, organ donors have been more valuable then ever. About every ten minutes, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list. People like Matthew are saving lives everyday.

“My family has found comfort in knowing that Matthew lives on in others,” Roth said. “The Donate Life Club raises funds for NJ Sharing Network so they can continue their lifesaving programs. The club also was also started in memory of Jared Colon and Joseph Hernandez who were HHS students and organ/tissue donors. We honored Joseph Hernandez’s family last year with a bubble release ceremony.”

Roth has high intentions for the club, and so far it has been a success. The club already has almost 20 members in its first year. Although he is graduating this year, Roth would like to see the club remain viable for many years to come. 

“My goals for the club are to raise awareness of the need for organ donors,” Roth said. “Over 120,000 people in the U.S.(5,000 in NJ) are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.  Twenty-two people die each day waiting for an organ transplant. I would like to find a student that has a connection to organ/tissue donation that would like to continue the club when I graduate this year.”

Roth hopes to leave a everlasting effect at HHS with creating the club. He hopes the importance of organ donors become more relevant.

“There are several ways to become an organ donor. You can register online at www.NJSharingNetwork.org, at your local DMV (on your license) and on your iPhone through the health app. People can also be live donors by donating a kidney. You need to be 18 to officially register but you can preregister your wishes prior to turning 18. The club also raises money for the NJ Sharing Network (the procurement center for organ donation in NJ) and we honor families of organ/tissue donors.”