11/16/2025
This month is National Donor Sabbath, a time to honor the faith traditions that support the lifesaving act of organ and tissue donation.
For Patti Jackson of Newark, faith and love guided her through the loss of her 13-month-old daughter, Zoë Gina, in 2011. In the grief that followed a tragic car crash, Patti faced an overwhelming decision. She had always believed in organ donation, but she turned to her father, Clement, a devout Muslim, for strength and clarity.
After praying, he told her, “We need to do something to help somebody else.” Her father’s support reflected the heart of Islam’s teachings — that saving a life is one of the greatest gifts a person can give. Within the Muslim faith, organ and tissue donation is often viewed as an act of compassion and charity, honoring the belief that preserving life is a sacred duty.
Patti felt the same in her heart, and their family united around the decision.
Zoë’s gifts saved three young lives: a 1-year-old received her liver, a 2-year-old her heart, and a 13-year-old dialysis patient her kidney. For Patti, the choice was both an act of faith and a way to carry Zoë’s spirit forward. 💙💚