Making Miracles Happen

Lenore FordLenore Ford has dedicated much of her life to spreading the word that organ and tissue donation saves lives. That cause and other health care services will eventually share in a life insurance policy that names Overlook as a beneficiary.

"Overlook has superbly cared for generations of our family-my mother, my husband, our four children, several of our 11 grandchildren, and me," says Lenore.

"It seems natural to give back, not only now, but after I'm gone."

Giving back took on new meaning in 1994 when her husband, Bill, developed a rare liver disorder. Despite two liver transplants, he passed away after the wait for organs compromised his immune system.

"Something good came out of the sadness," says Lenore, a former Summit science teacher and past Summit Board of Education president. "I became interested in helping others understand the need for organ and tissue donation. Every donation is a miracle."

In 1994 she established the Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Committee, and for the next 17 years committee members (later Summit Twig # 1) spoke to businesses, schools, and church groups; marched in parades; attended health fairs; and distributed organ donation cards. The twig's work continues through the N.J. Sharing Network, on whose board Lenore sits.

"When I became involved in this cause, 42,000 people in the U.S. were waiting for organs," states Lenore.

"Today the figure is 120,000, and 18 people die waiting each day. Anything I can do to help change those statistics brings me joy."

Lenore also spreads joy to Overlook patients and visitors. The Auxiliary trustee and longtime New Providence Twig #2 member recently served tea to cancer patients and their families, and on Tuesdays she volunteers in the gift shop.

"Overlook is in my blood," she says. "I've watched it grow from a hospital to a medical center, and I'm grateful that it's here for us."