HIGHTSTOWN, NJ — As the nation honors its veterans, the spotlight shines on Jenny Godnick, a retired U.S. Army Reserve veteran and Hightstown resident. Recognized by the NJ Sharing Network for her dual role as a living kidney donor and an advocate for organ donation, Godnick’s story is a testament to her enduring commitment to service.
Godnick, after a distinguished 20-year military career, embarked on a mission of a different kind, becoming a living kidney donor to her brother-in-law. This act of kindness sparked a 24-person donation chain, ultimately saving multiple lives, including that of her brother-in-law.
Her recovery from donation surgery was remarkable, returning to jogging within four weeks and completing a triathlon within nine. Godnick’s advocacy work includes educating high school students about the importance of organ donation and participating in the Transplant Games of America with Team Liberty.
In a further demonstration of her incredible resilience and dedication, Godnick will participate in the Kidney Donor Athletes’ 3 Volcanoes Climbing Challenge in Guatemala this December. She joins 17 other living donors to climb over 13,000 vertical feet in four days, a challenge aimed at raising awareness for kidney donation.
The success stories of organ donation in New Jersey, highlighted by record-breaking numbers of organ donors and transplants, offer hope to over 100,000 Americans awaiting life-saving transplants. For those inspired by Godnick’s journey and willing to support organ donation, more information is available at the NJ Sharing Network’s website.