BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALOK SHARMA, President
Father of Potential Transplant Candidate
Alok is a retired marketing executive having worked for Kraft, Mondelez, ConAgra, and more recently at McKinsey. In the past few years, he embarked on starting a small consulting firm to help out select friends on their growth strategies. He is a long-time resident of Glenview, and enjoying the golden years with his wife Amita.
They have two sons and anxiously awaiting for a grandchild.
His younger son is likely to have a heart transplant at the University of Chicago.
Alok is grateful for the support that OTS can provide to him. He is looking forward to his role assisting OTS in his new capacity as VP.
JAMES HILLS, Vice President
Liver & Kidney Transplant Recipient, 2022
Jim was Born, raised and living in South Orange County, CA, Jim received an SLK (Simultaneous liver & kidney Transplant) from the Mayo Clinic Phoenix in June of 2022. Not long after, Jim organized and hosted his own peer-to-peer support group, which in a short time grew from four individuals to over ninety members. Jim is a two-year Mentor for OTS as well as an Ambassador for One Legacy, the Nation’s largest OPO based in Southern, CA. Jim has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in criminal justice/law enforcement. Jim worked seven years in the security and law enforcement fields. Jim then worked over twenty plus years as a Regional Investigator for organized crime, fraud and embezzlement throughout the United States and Canada.
Jim is excited to be a part of OTS and looks forward to working with anyone in need of transplantation support.
CRYSTAL BRASIOLA WATERS, Communications Secretary
Caregiver
Though newer to the Organ Transplant Support Organization, Crystal Brasiola Waters brings a deep and personal connection to caregiving and the transplant community. She joined OTS to learn, connect, and walk alongside others who understand the transplant journey—whether they are living it themselves or supporting someone they love.
As her husband, Tamaine, awaits a kidney and pancreas transplant, Crystal has committed herself to learning as much as possible about both the pre- and post-transplant experience. She is passionate about supporting both sides of the journey—the patient and the caregiver—and believes that shared stories and diverse life experiences bring strength, understanding, and hope to the community.
After spending more than 10 years in corporate technology, Crystal shifted her focus to her husband’s transplant journey, their family, and the work that matters most to her now. In her role as Communication Secretary, she looks forward to helping OTS strengthen meaningful connections, amplify voices that matter, and continue fostering a supportive, informed, and compassionate community.
JOHN HICKEY, Treasurer
Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipient, 2021
John the forever grateful recipient of a living donor liver transplant. He received his liver from his niece, Mary, in 2021 at the University of Chicago, and has been a member of OTS since 2021. John participated in the mentor program pre transplant and has been a mentor in the program since his transplant. He has been an active leader in other non-profit organizations since 2009, including roles as president of PFLAG DuPage and the PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois.
After a term as Recording secretary and two terms as president, John is now Treasurer of OTS.
John is retired after 35 years in a variety of Operations and Supply Chain management roles in the Defense Industry. John and his wife, Mary Ann recently moved to a 55+ community in Aurora, IL after 38 year as residents of Naperville, IL. They are the parents of two young adults, living in the Chicago area, and they have two grandchildren.
CAROL OLASH, Mentor Program Manager
Heart Transplant Recipient, 2002
Carol Olash moves to the position of Mentor Program Manager after serving as President for 5 years. Carol has been a member of OTS for over 12 years and she was the newsletter editor for 5 years before joining the board. She was also on the board of the Have a Heart Support Group before OTS.
Carol received a heart transplant in 2002 from Loyola Medical Center. She lives in Palatine with her husband Eric.
IRENE FAITH PURDIE, Recording Secretary
Kidney Transplant Recipient, 2006 and 2022
Faith, as she prefers to be called, lives in Westchester County, NY and received both her kidney transplants at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.
In 2023, Faith began contributing for the “MEET A MENTOR” column for the OTS newsletter. Writing has always been Faith’s passion, and she is busy pursuing freelance writing opportunities at this time. Previously she worked at New York Life Insurance Company for 20 years, focusing on content writing and project management.
In Faith’s free time, she enjoys walking trails, scenic drives, and day trips in the NY, NJ, and PA areas.
BRENT FLYNN, Director-at-Large
Kidney Transplant Recipient, 1995
Brent received a kidney from his brother in 1995 at Loyola University Medical Center and has been a member of OTS since 1994. He is retired after 40 years in the financial services industry. Brent and his wife Nancy reside in Wheaton. They are the parents of three young adults, two residing in Chicago and one in Henderson, NV. Nancy made an altruistic kidney donation in 2012.
This Could Be You!
OTS welcomes you to consider helping the transplant community by volunteering to participate as an OTS Volunteer.
Click here to inquire or email us at info@organtransplantsupport.org
We have a number of volunteer opportunities including:
Web design and technical support.
Mentor roles
OTS Transplant Center Liaison
Healthcare professional Board position
Attorney Board position
Other opportunities…