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South Philly Event Raising Funds For College-Minded Organ Transplant Recipients

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An event Sunday at the Independence Seaport Museum will help raise money for young organ transplant recipients.

When Laura Schwartz lost her sister, Jessica, she was a few credits short of graduating from college.  Soon after her death, Laura co-founded "Jessie's Day."

"'Jessie's Day' is an event where we raise funds for a scholarship that sends young transplant recipients in the tri-state area to college," she tells KYW Newsradio.

 

jessica scwartz
Jessica Schwartz (Photo provided)

 

This year, the family-friendly event is being held at the Independence Seaport Museum.  Laura says it helps her to remember her sister:

"Jessica has a heart transplant back in 1994.  She was 14 years old and we were lucky to have her for 8 and a half extra years and in 2002 she got sick and she passed away in 2003."

This year, they hope to raise $50,000, but Laura says any amount they can raise for scholarships is greatly appreciated:

"To date, we have helped over 44 students and we have given out over $100,000."

Jessie's Day takes place from 1-4 p.m.

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