After Giving and Receiving the Gift of Life, Dairy Queen Owners Compete at Transplant Games

When Rich and Donna Albanese-DeMair met at her family's Plainfield Dairy Queen decades ago, neither could have imagined the profound journey that would unfold between them. Today, the Scotch Plains residents have become passionate advocates for organ and tissue donation, inspired by their own transformative experiences and determined to save lives across New Jersey.

Donna's story began in 2002. At a pivotal moment in her mother's life, Donna made a decision that changed everything: she donated one of her kidneys to save her mother's life, Adele Albanese. Two decades later, the tables turned when Rich faced advanced heart disease and desperately needed a lifesaving heart transplant. That gift of a second chance became the foundation of their shared mission.

Union County Life is highlighting the stories of residents working to strengthen and support their communities. Rich and Donna embody that commitment through their work with NJ Sharing Network, advocating for organ donation registration and encouraging others to consider becoming living donors.

"Walking into the Transplant Games surrounded by thousands of people whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation was incredibly emotional," Donna reflected. "Being a living donor has always been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and celebrating with Rich after everything we have been through made it even more special."

In June 2026, Rich and Donna represented Team Liberty, a program of the Sharing Network Foundation, at the biennial Transplant Games of America in Denver. The competition brought together thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from across the nation. Donna earned a silver medal in doubles bowling. Rich competed in cycling and helped Team Liberty capture a bronze medal in the trivia competition. Together, they crossed the finish line in the 5K event. This year's Games also set a Guinness World Record: 966 transplant recipients and living donors gathered in one place, a milestone that underscored the profound impact of organ and tissue donation.

For Rich, the Games represented more than athletic competition. "Every mile I rode on my bicycle and every moment I spent with Team Liberty reminded me that I wouldn't be here without my donor and his family," he said. "I hope our story encourages more people to register as organ and tissue donors and consider becoming living donors because those decisions truly save lives."

Beyond their advocacy for NJ Sharing Network, Rich and Donna help lead the Albanese family's Dairy Queen in Plainfield, one of the largest Dairy Queen restaurants in the country. The family has long supported community organizations and charitable causes throughout New Jersey. Rich is especially recognized for his bicycle donation program, a sustained labor of love that has now provided 5,476 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout the state.

"The bicycle program started from a simple idea: give back to young people in our community," Rich said. "But it's become so much more. Every bike represents a chance for a child to move, to explore, to live fully. It's the same principle behind organ donation. It's about giving others the gift of life and opportunity."

Rich and Donna's work reminds us that advocacy takes many forms. Whether through their bicycle program, their presence at the Transplant Games, or their daily conversations with friends and neighbors, they are spreading a message that resonates across New Jersey: organ donation saves lives, and every person has the power to make a difference.

To register as an organ and tissue donor in New Jersey, visit NJ Sharing Network at www.njsharingnetwork.org or call 1-800-DONOR-NJ. Find more Scotch Plains community news, local profiles, and stories of residents making a difference on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: How can I register as an organ and tissue donor in New Jersey?
A: You can register online at www.njsharingnetwork.org or call 1-800-DONOR-NJ. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. You can also register when renewing your driver's license at the Motor Vehicle Commission.

Q: What is the difference between being an organ donor and a living donor?
A: An organ donor registers to donate organs and tissue after death. A living donor chooses to donate an organ (such as a kidney) while alive to help a family member or another person in need. Both forms of donation save lives.

Q: How many bicycles has Rich's donation program given to New Jersey children and teens?
A: Rich's bicycle donation program has provided 5,476 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout New Jersey. The program reflects his belief in giving back to the community.

Q: What is the Transplant Games of America?
A: The Transplant Games of America is a biennial competition bringing together thousands of organ and tissue transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from across the country. Participants compete in athletic and recreational events. The 2026 Games set a Guinness World Record with 966 transplant recipients and living donors assembled in one place.

Q: Who are Rich and Donna Albanese-DeMair?
A: Rich and Donna are Scotch Plains residents who help lead the Albanese family's Dairy Queen in Plainfield, one of the largest in the country. Donna became a living kidney donor in 2002 by donating to her mother. Rich received a heart transplant after living with advanced heart disease. Both are active advocates for NJ Sharing Network, promoting organ donation and living donation across New Jersey.

Q: How can I learn more about organ donation advocacy in Union County?
A: Visit NJ Sharing Network at www.njsharingnetwork.org or call 1-800-DONOR-NJ. Union County Life covers community stories and local advocates working to strengthen our neighborhoods. Follow your town's newsletter for more profiles.