For organ-sharing program manager, turing 30 is more than just another number

Star-Ledger | Bob Braun

Jessica Melore did not mourn turning 30 Wednesday. She happily celebrated passing out of her 20s, a milestone that, for many in a youth-worshiping culture, is often met with, at best, grim resignation at this first serious reminder of mortality.

"More than anything else, I feel proud to be turning 30," she says. "I've always envied older people. I want to make it to that age, so I've made a decision to celebrate every birthday."

Proud, because becoming 30 has been, for nearly half her life, far from a sure thing. Because she has devoted most of the time since she was 16 to not only surviving against odds but also trying to help others do the same.

Read more: http://blog.nj.com/njv_bob_braun/2012/01/braun_for_organ-sharing_nonpro.html