Sylvia Hicks

Sylvia Hicks is a Transplant Claim Analyst at Aetna in Cranbury, NJ. Volunteering and providing to others who are in need is a way of life for Sylvia, she is often surprised when she is recognized for efforts. Her response is usually that this is what she taught by her parents. Sylvia has taken the lead to schedule quarterly blood drive and has invited spokespeople from various organizations like NJ Sharing Network and the Kidney Foundation to raise awareness of becoming an organ donor. She was responsible for organizing a “lunch and learn” at the Aetna offices in 2005 to raise awareness about the need for organ donors. With the help of her co-workers they have signed up a total of 77 organ donors during Organ Donation month in April 2005 –2006. In cooperation with the Aetna Foundation, 13 bone marrow donors were registered with the National Marrow Donor Program in May 2006. For the past 6 years Sylvia has headed in blood drive and over 575 pints of blood have been collected at the Aetna facility in Cranbury. Recently, Sylvia received permission to use one of the glass cases in Cranbury to set a display for March/April medical awareness for Chronic Kidney Disease, Colorectal Awareness and Donate Life Month. For the month of August she has set up a new display for National Immunization Awareness and National Minority Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness.

Although Sylvia organizes many events for Aetna employees and the Cranbury site, her giving goes beyond her time in the office. She allocates time to other organizations within her community such as the North Shelton Food Bank, Teen Mentor and Tutoring, Senior Citizens helper and an active member of St. John’s Baptist Church. Other organizations where she was a part of are The Dorcoss Scholarship Committee, A. Ross Brent Scholarship Committee and Union County Teen Mentoring.

Sylvia quietly goes about “her business” in helping others; whether it is a friend, co-worker or a stranger in need, Sylvia does not ask questions, she takes action. Her selflessness and dedication to several causes her probably saved lives and for others, provided a ray of sunshine to their day.