Cara McCollum died Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, one week after her Ford Mustang convertible slid off an icy South Jersey road.
Former Miss N.J. Cara McCollum was an activist for literacy, an up-and-coming broadcast journalist and, according to those who knew her, a caring individual. She was also an organ donor, and was public about being one.
McCollum, 24, died Monday morning, one week after her Ford Mustang convertible slid off an icy Salem County road and struck several trees.
A Facebook post from her family announced her death and the fact that before she died she had made the decision to donate her organs.
The NJ Sharing Network, which facilitates organ donation throughout the state, was with her family this week as McCollum's organs were harvested to help others, and they hope her decision helps persuade others to do so as well.
Thank you all for this tremendous outpouring of love and support for our Cara. We can't begin to tell you how much your...
Posted by Prayers for Cara on Monday, February 22, 2016
Throughout the country there are currently 120,000 people waiting for an organ on the national list, with 5,000 of those living in New Jersey, said Elisse Glennon, vice president and chief administrative officer for NJ Sharing Network.
While the organization and its representatives cannot speak directly about McCollum's case, a donor can save the lives of up to eight people with organ donation and help up to 50 people with tissue donations.
"Most people think of solid organs, but we are trying to educate more and more regarding tissue donation," Glennon said. "Some people think of it as not as life saving as a heart transplant, but it really does save lives. If you speak to any tissue recipient, they will say it saved their life."
Educating the public about organ and tissue donation is paramount to getting more people involved and registered as donors, according to the NJ Sharing Network. In New Jersey, high school students are taught in school about the process and the benefits of donation, but public figures being donors further helps to spread the word, Glennon said.
McCollum's very public support of organ and tissue donation during her life and her family announcing that her organs were being donated will hopefully help to raise awareness about the possibilities donation offers for many individuals.
"Organ donation is the ultimate gift of charity," Glennon said. "She (Cara) in her life was very charitable. In her life she was a role model. Even in her passing she was that...Ultimately I am certain because of her more people will become organ donors."
You can register as an organ donor at the department of motor vehicles while renewing or applying for a driver's license or on the NJ Sharing Network website.
Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.