MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai, a 55-year-old woman, in Rockaway, had been grappling with the harsh reality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for two long decades. Her encounter with this relentless condition was entirely by chance, as it was discovered while she underwent surgery for a separate health issue.

CKD brought with it a relentless barrage of symptoms and challenges that would test the limits of Jigisha’s determination. She faced a multitude of health issues, financial hardships, emotional turmoil, and physical limitations, all while shouldering the responsibility of raising her two children and dealing with the loss of her family’s business. In the face of these overwhelming obstacles, Jigisha’s unwavering spirit propelled her forward.

Around the age of 36, chronic arthritis set in, primarily targeting her knees. The pain became excruciating, and the need for a knee replacement became evident. However, her pre-existing kidney disease complicated matters further. Doctors, fearing the impact of painkillers on her already compromised kidneys, advised against surgery. Consequently, Jigisha found herself living with unrelenting pain and enduring extreme fatigue, both of which took a toll not only on her but also on her family.

Determined to delay the relentless progression of CKD, Jigisha embarked on a journey of dietary transformation. She embraced a whole-food, plant-based diet, rigorously avoiding high-sodium, high-protein, high-potassium, and high-phosphorus foods. Her diligent research led her to this dietary shift, driven by the hope of reducing the strain on her kidneys. Indeed, this lifestyle change proved beneficial in slowing down the progression of her condition. However, after two decades of relentless struggle, Jigisha stood at a critical juncture in her life.

Her only chance for a better life now hinged on the prospect of finding a living kidney donor and undergoing a kidney transplant. Jigisha’s pursuit of this lifeline led her to St. Barnabas in Livingston, where Allison Moorman, her transplant coordinator, worked tirelessly to facilitate the process. Jigisha’s blood type was O+, but she held onto hope, knowing that St. Barnabas participated in the paired exchange program, broadening her possibilities.

With unwavering courage, Jigisha appealed to the compassion of those who could make a difference. She earnestly implored potential donors to complete the living donor referral form, specifying their intention to donate to Jigisha Desai. It was a plea for a second chance at life, an opportunity to surmount the adversities that had defined her life for far too long.

In the face of daunting challenges, Jigisha Desai remained resolute, a symbol of the human spirit’s strength and the resilience born from hope. Her journey was far from over, and she clung to the belief that, with the support of compassionate donors, she could triumph over chronic kidney disease. It was a quest to rewrite the narrative of her life with the gift of a life-saving transplant.

She is listed at St. Barnabas in Livingston and her transplant coordinator is Allison Moorman at (973) 322-5082. Her blood type is O+, but it doesn’t matter because St. Barnabas does participate in the paired exchange program. Please fill out the living donor referral form and include the donor for Jigisha Desai.

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MORRIS COUNTY — Steven Alterisio, 31, Madison, was taken into custody and faces multiple drug possession charges, along with a charge of driving under the influence.

The charges encompass the following: four counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of possessing prescription drugs, driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, having a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and careless driving.

According to the Denville Township Police Department, on Tuesday, January 9, at 9:55 p.m., they conducted a welfare check on an individual at the BP gas station located in the parking lot at 42 East Main. The individual was later identified as Steven Alterisio. During the investigation, it was determined that he was intoxicated, leading to his arrest for driving while intoxicated.

A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered controlled, dangerous substances and associated paraphernalia. At the police headquarters, he was processed and charged with the aforementioned offenses.

Alterisio was subsequently released pending a court appearance.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, along with Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Chief Dean Adone of the Roxbury Township Police Department, confirmed the sentencing of Eldridge Cruzado, a 21-year-old resident of Kenvil, New Jersey.

Between May and June of 2023, a collaborative effort involving the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Roxbury Township Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a thorough investigation into Eldridge Cruzado’s involvement in the distribution of various narcotics within the state and across the country. This illegal operation involved the delivery of drug packages to multiple post offices in Morris County, several of which were intercepted, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as “LSD.” Following the execution of search warrants at Cruzado’s residence, he was apprehended and charged with these offenses.

On November 13, 2023, in a hearing presided over by the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., Cruzado entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of second-degree distribution of LSD. On January 5, 2024, he received a ten-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison for his involvement in the distribution of narcotics.

Prosecutor Carroll expressed his appreciation for the exceptional teamwork displayed by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit. He emphasized that this resolution reflects the ongoing commitment to removing dangerous narcotics from the community and holding individuals accountable for jeopardizing the safety of the community.

Chief Adone underscored the origins of the case, which began with a routine patrol response to a service call. Ptl. Nicole Parichuk initiated the initial investigation, recognizing the need for further inquiry. Subsequently, Ptl. Parichuk alerted the Detective Bureau, setting in motion an exhaustive ground-up investigation that required hours of dedicated police work from all involved parties. Chief Adone expressed gratitude towards the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their invaluable assistance, which significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the case.

MORRIS COUNTY — In a significant development, Brian Bergen, a prominent figure known for his confrontational approach with Democratic legislative leaders during his four-year tenure in Trenton, has been appointed as the new Assembly Minority Whip.

Anticipated to be officially announced by Minority Leader John DiMaio, this appointment solidifies Bergen’s position within the Assembly GOP leadership team. Bergen, a West Point graduate and a decorated veteran with combat helicopter experience in Iraq, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

This reshuffling within the GOP caucus comes in the wake of the defeat of Minority Conference Leader Ned Thomson (R-Wall) and the retirement of Minority Budget Officer Hal Wirths (R-Wantage). The GOP caucus now stands at 28 members following the loss of six seats in the November 2023 midterm elections.

Brian Bergen, a former Denville councilman who secured an open Assembly seat in 2019, steps into the shoes of Antwan McClellan (R-Ocean City), who assumed the role of Deputy Minority Leader after Nancy Munoz decided to vacate the position in favor of becoming the ranking Republican on the Assembly Budget Committee.

Bergen has made headlines for his leadership in challenging Speaker Craig Coughlin’s mandate that required anyone entering the Assembly chambers to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test, a stance that gained prominence during the pandemic. While frequently dissenting on legislation supported by many of his GOP colleagues, Bergen’s voting patterns may undergo some adjustments as he takes on this new leadership role.

Previously, Bergen briefly contested the minority leader post, which ultimately went to Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) when he assumed a State Senate seat two years ago.

Additionally, the reshuffle includes Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains) retaining his position as appropriations officer, Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Middletown) taking on the role of policy chair, and Brian Rumpf (R-Egg Harbor Township) assuming the position of parliamentarian.

Rob Clifton (R-Matawan) has been appointed as the new assistant minority leader, and Vicky Flynn has been named the new deputy minority conference leader. The lineup also includes Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence) and Christopher Barranco (R-Jefferson) as assistant minority conference leaders, Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) as deputy minority whip, and Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn as assistant minority whips.