Brick Student Shares Organ Donation Message After Kidney Saved Dad's Life

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township High School student has been honored by the Sharing Network Foundation for his efforts to promote organ donation with a scholarship to help with his college expenses.

Thomas Olski, who graduated Wednesday, was awarded a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund to help with expenses as he attends Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where he plans to pursue a career in disability law to help others facing health and financial challenges.

Thomas has had personal experience with organ donation, the NJ Sharing Network said in a news release announcing the award.

In late 2020, Thomas's father was diagnosed with sudden kidney failure caused by an autoimmune disease, according to the release. As his father dealt with months of dialysis and the family faced financial stress and uncertainty, "Thomas stepped up to support his family — taking on extra responsibilities at home while maintaining his academic achievements," the organization said.

In 2021, his father underwent a kidney transplant, with the kidney coming from Thomas’s aunt, a living donor, "which brought hope and renewed strength to their family."

Thomas has since devoted time to promoting organ donation and plans to continue doing so on campus, the Sharing Network said.

The Sharing Network Foundation said the scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities, and advocacy for organ and tissue donation, and the program has awarded more than $140,000 since it began in 2011.

"We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our lifesaving mission," said Amanda Tibok, executive director of the Sharing Network Foundation. "We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond."