Turning Tragedy Into Hope: Saddle River Man’s Heroic Legacy Honored at NJ Sharing Network 5K
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, On a powerful day filled with remembrance and hope, thousands gathered in New Providence, New Jersey, for the NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF-sanctioned race.
Presented by MTF Biologics, this event stands as one of New Jersey’s largest and most recognized charitable 5Ks. It bridges the gap between organ and tissue donor families, transplant recipients, living donors, and passionate volunteers—all united by a single mission: saving and enhancing lives.
Among the sea of participants, one group stood out with a profound local story of heroism: “Team Todd Forever.”
Remembering Todd “TJ” Morici Jr.
Walking for the very first time in the event, family and friends formed “Team Todd Forever” to honor the vibrant life and selfless legacy of Todd Andrew Morici Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Saddle River, New Jersey.
Todd tragically passed away in April 2025 following an electric skateboard accident. Affectionately known by those close to him as “TJ” and “T-Man,” Todd was a graduate of Montclair Kimberley Academy and Palm Beach Atlantic University. He was remembered by his community for his infectious sense of humor, massive heart, and an innate ability to make anyone around him smile.
A Selfless Final Act: Saving Four Lives
While Todd’s sudden passing left a profound void, his compassion lives on. Long before his accident, Todd believed strongly in organ and tissue donation, frequently advocating for it and encouraging his loved ones to register.
When the time came, his family honored his wishes. Through his incredible final act of generosity, Todd successfully saved the lives of four separate people by donating his:
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Heart
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Liver
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Both Kidneys
“His final act of generosity reflects the caring spirit that defined who he was throughout his life,” his family shared.
The Critical Need for Organ Donation in New Jersey
Every dollar raised during the Celebration of Life 5K goes directly to the Sharing Network Foundation. These critical funds drive clinical innovation, provide vital support to grieving families, and expand public education regarding the realities of transplantation.
According to data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the NJ Sharing Network, the need for registered donors remains urgent:
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100,000+ Americans are currently on the national transplant waiting list.
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Nearly 4,000 of those waiting are right here in New Jersey.
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1 single donor has the power to save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.
Todd Morici Jr.’s story is a beautiful reminder that a single decision can rewrite the future for families in desperate need. To learn more about how you can leave a lifesaving legacy or to register today, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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