Jane K., 62, Linden, NJ

Jane Koza, a resident of Delaire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Linden, New Jersey, recently had her wish to see her beloved Yankees play granted, thanks our New Jersey chapter.

Koza, 62, played competitive basketball and softball for her high school alma mater, Mother Seton High School in Clark, New Jersey. At the age of 47, Koza learned she would need knee surgery to repair torn cartilage.  During surgery, she contracted MRSA, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. A second surgery for a total knee replacement caused Koza to slip into a coma and an infection traveled through her spine and left her with transverse myelitis, a rare neuro-immune disorder that resulted in paralysis from the chest down. Recently, due to the chronic infection in her knee, her leg was amputated above the knee.

Despite all her medical issues, Koza remains optimistic and is very active in her facility. She has been a resident of Delaire for over 12 years and has served as Resident Council President for the past eight years. She advocates for the other residents and has spearheaded fundraisers to purchase a new bingo machine, bowling league equipment and prizes for bingo and parties at the facility. Her wish to see the Yankees play for her 60^th birthday was granted on September 15, 2018. Koza and her friend received the royal treatment from the Yankees: getting a backstage tour of the stadium, receiving a bag of Yankees’ souvenirs, getting a chance to wear a World Series ring, and getting upgraded seats between home plate and third base. Special thanks to the Yankees for making her wish so memorable and to All Med Transportation for donating the transportation.