By: Richard L. Smith
A Plainfield couple whose lives have been shaped by organ donation recently represented New Jersey at the 2026 Transplant Games of America, celebrating the lifesaving impact of donation while inspiring others to register as donors.
According to information released by NJ Sharing Network, Rich and Donna Albanese-DeMair competed as members of Team Liberty during the national event in Denver, Colorado, which brought together thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters from across the country.
Donna, who donated a kidney to save her mother’s life in 2002, earned a silver medal in doubles bowling. Rich, who received a lifesaving heart transplant in 2022, competed in cycling and helped Team Liberty earn a bronze medal in the trivia competition.
The couple also participated in the 5K event and joined hundreds of others in setting a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients.
“Walking into the Transplant Games surrounded by thousands of people whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation was incredibly emotional,” Donna said.
“Being a living donor has always been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
Rich said the experience was an opportunity to honor the donor who gave him a second chance.
“Every mile I rode on my bicycle reminded me that I wouldn’t be here without my donor and his family,” he said. “I hope our story encourages more people to register as organ and tissue donors because those decisions truly save lives.”
Beyond their advocacy, the couple helps lead the Albanese family’s well-known Dairy Queen in Plainfield. Rich is also recognized for his bicycle donation program, which has provided more than 5,400 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout New Jersey.
NJ Sharing Network notes that more than 100,000 people nationwide, including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents, are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.