'Team Lady In Red': Holmdel Woman Lives On Through Organ, Tissue Donation & 5K Team

HOLMDEL, NJ — Carmen Mohamadi, a beloved Holmdel resident, was known as someone who was full of life.

Mohamadi, 40, unexpectedly passed away in February 2018. In the midst of her family’s grief, they found some comfort in learning that Mohamadi was a registered organ and tissue donor, and that her final act of kindness saved five lives.

Her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs were generously donated to those in need, offering hope and healing in the face of loss.

Following Mohamadi’s passing, her family made a decision to carry on her loving spirit by forming a 5K team in her memory.

“Team Lady In Red” came together just three months later to participate in the NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, which is one of New Jersey’s largest charitable events.

For 15 years, the 5K Celebration of Life has brought together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and dedicated volunteers, and advocates.

Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors go toward supporting the Sharing Network Foundation, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness, and education.

Seven years after their formation, “Team Lady In Red” continues to honor Mohamadi’s life and legacy by participating in the event’s Ocean Grove 5K, where they will once again gather on Saturday, May 17, to celebrate the gift of life and pay tribute to Mohamadi and other organ and tissue donors.

“Everything happened so fast,” said Ashley Wright, Carmen’s daughter and team captain. “It was just three months after losing my mom, but my family and I knew we had to be part of the 5K.”

“We sent messages to family and friends, designed t-shirts, and made it to the walk — it all came together quickly, and it was exactly what we needed,” Wright continued. “That first event gave us a sense of purpose and healing.”

Born as Carmen Robles in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mohamadi was raised in Union, New Jersey, and later settled in Holmdel with her devoted husband, Steven Mohamadi, where they raised their daughters, Ashley and Anna.

Mohamadi was known for her love of red lipstick, red roses, and all things bold and vibrant by those who knew her — a passion that inspired the team’s name and their signature red-themed attire. She was also known as someone who was full of life.

“NJ Sharing Network’s Ocean Grove 5K is an event I look forward to every year,” Wright said.

“There’s something so powerful about seeing hundreds of people come together — you hear stories, see tearful hugs, joyful smiles, and you realize you are part of something truly meaningful," Wright continued. "We keep showing up as ‘Lady in Red’ to remember my mom and to celebrate the life she gave to others.”

Mohamadi is survived by her husband Steven, daughters Ashley and Anna, parents William and Carmen (Colon) Robles, siblings William Robles (Julie) and Milagros Rodriguez (Julio), as well as many cherished family members and friends who continue to honor her memory and keep her legacy alive.

"Team Lady In Red" proudly honors Mohamadi each year with heartfelt memories, matching t-shirts, and, of course — a splash of red.

The NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Races will be held on Saturday, May 17, in Ocean Grove, and on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in New Providence, NJ.

The Ocean Grove 5K is presented by MTF Biologics, and the New Providence 5K is presented by RWJBarnabas Health.

To learn more, you can visit the NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life website.