ABOUT
S.T.A.R.
Support Transplant And Recovery
STAR Kids works year-round to support the needs of children who are going through the transplant process and into their long-term care. The donations that we receive are used to provide support, resources, and community for patients which include:
Post-surgery backpacks filled with items such as: notebooks, pens, activity books, snacks, toiletries etc.
Holiday Party for patients and their families to gather together to meet one another and to provide special presents for the children.
Support meetings and educational workshops for parents/guardians.
Resources and support through our various social platforms, website, and contact page.
Spreading awareness about the transplant process and the importance of organ and soft tissue donation.
OUR LEADERS
Committed to Support
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds, our passionate team of volunteers work hard to make sure that STAR Kids execute's its mission of helping transplant children and their families each and everyday. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop and grow. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
ALISSA NORRIS
PRESIDENT
Thanks to my donor family, I received a liver transplant at the age of 2.5 in 1995 from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia by Dr. Stephen Dunn. I have been involved with STAR Kids since it was established in 2002 by a group of transplant families including my parents.
I have been able to grow up with a strong support system, have had many fun and life changing experiences both inside and outside of the transplant community, played competitive sports growing up and in college, earned my master’s degree, and currently work in my dream industry. Every day is a gift, and it is one that I do not take for granted. It is humbling to hear patients' and families’ stories and to know that I am part of the first generation of transplant recipients. Seeing how much organ and tissue donation has grown over the years is exciting and inspiring. Kids deserve to run around with their friends and dream about who they want to be when they grow up while their families feel the love and support during the transplant journey.
As President of STAR Kids, I want to inspire individuals to feel empowered about being organ and tissue donors, encourage and educate the community about becoming donors while bringing hope to every child and their family during the transplant process.
OFFICERS
JENNIFER SAIENNI
I grew up in Delaware and still reside in this "small wonder" with my husband and two boys. The promotion and awareness of organ donation has been a part of my life since I can remember. My sister at 2.5 years old received a liver transplant- a donation from a young boy in Philadelphia. Now as a mom, I can not imagine the heartache that mom must have gone through and still goes through today after 25 years! But I do hope that she knows she gave life and love to not only my family but to several others that day. By joining STAR Kids, I hope to be able to continue bringing awareness and showcasing the amazing impact of organ and tissue donation can have not only on my family but on our community.