Woman honors late relatives through charity walk, run

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — For the third straight year, Maureen Bocknack will honor her family by serving as a team captain at the NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life.

The Kendall Park resident will participate again in the New Providence walk and run on June 7 because four of her family members have become organ and tissue donors over the past 14 years.

The connections began when her twin sister, Michelle, had a tragic fall in Wildwood in June 2001. She ultimately saved the lives of five others through organ donations.

Bocknack recalls a conversation with her sister just months before she died. They were in the kitchen of their mother’s house, and their mother wanted to have a serious discussion about end-of-life planning.

“My sister, without hesitation, said, ‘I want to donate my organs,’ ” Bocknack said. “My mom said, ‘Michelle, you are too young to be thinking like that.’ She replied, ‘Well, I am an organ donor on my license and I want to donate my organs. What would I need them for if I’m gone? Let someone who needs them use them.’ ”

Bocknack said she didn’t realize the power of her sister’s words at the time. But knowing about her sister’s desire to donate was important when the family learned she had lost brain function during her fall.

“I encourage others to have the conversation, to make their wishes known. Because there is such tragedy in organs and tissue that are left unused, when they could save or enhance the lives of others,” she said.

Then, her father, Michael Bocknack, died in June 2011 and donated his corneas.

Her cousin, Tommy Sudano, Jr., died in July 2013 and donated his organs and tissue to five others.

Another cousin, Dawn Sudano, died Feb. 27. Her organs and tissue were donated to save the lives of at least five others.

These experiences prompted Bocknack to form Team Alpha Omega for the upcoming 5K event.

“I named the team ‘Alpha Omega’ because there is no end to life through organ and tissue donation,” she said, noting that alpha is at the beginning of the Greek alphabet and omega is at the end. “This is about perpetuity of life, and about the special bond my family has to organ and tissue donation.”

Bocknack is recruiting more participants and supporters for the 5K.

“I am happy that my sister gave me purpose and something positive in my life,” she said. “Even though she is not physically here, she is cheering me on along the way. It is truly amazing to share her story, as well as the stories of my dad and my two cousins. And I also have a dear friend who is planning to give the gift of life as a living donor.”

The 5K Celebration of Life includes a walk and a USATF-certified race.

To sign up for the event as an individual or a team, to learn about sponsorship opportunities or for more information on organ donation, visit www.njsharingnetwork.org.