About US…….

The Justin Wise Foundation was established in April 1999 as a non-profit tax-exempt 501 3(c) Charity organization, because of one special boy who made a difference in many lives. In 1996, thirteen-year-old Justin Wise became ill with Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart). Justin was told he needed a heart transplant. He was placed on the Organ Donor list and after nineteen days, he received a new heart; most transplant patient's wait up to a year or may not ever receive the organ they are waiting for. After having an organ transplant, life is very different for the recipients. The patient is required to take multiple medications to help prevent rejection.

Justin turned into an ambassador for transplantation, which gave us the idea for the foundation. Justin’s positive attitude about his condition, his future and his desire to help others. Helped pave the way for the creation of the Justin Wise Foundation. During his recovery, he worked with other pediatric pre and post transplant recipients he did interviews with the press on organ donor awareness through local and national television.

Justin went into Heart Rejection in January of 1999 two years after his transplant surgery. The doctors and staff struggled valiantly to save his life. Justin put up a gallant fight and lost his battle on February 18, 1999. The Justin Wise Foundation, was created by Elizabeth Costa and John Petrera. Justin’s zest for life, helping others and commitment to organ donation is being carried on in his name.

Board Members

Elizabeth Costa
Elizabeth Costa is one of the founders. She is President and Chairman of The Justin Wise Foundation. The Mother of Justin Wise she has focused her energies bringing more awareness to the community about organ donation, looking for transplant families in need of financial aid or support and is responsible for daily operations of the foundation.

Dona Howlett
Grandmother of Justin Wise, Dona is retired and has been a board member since 2001. She helps with organizing fundraisers and finding new innovative ways to receive contributions for the Foundation. For many years Dona counseled at a grief center in the Bay Area.

Theresa Hillyard
Board member to the Foundation. Terry's focus for the foundation is finding new strategies to raise funds. Over the years Terry has coordinated events for non - profits organizations in the Bay Area. She is employed at BEA Systems working in the Real Estate Department.

Jennifer R Wise
Jennifer has put her efforts toward organ donor awareness since the inception of the Foundation in 1999 and now proudly sits on the board. Her goals are to continue to help bring out organ donor awareness to the community and to help raise funds.