Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has named its student life center after former Westfield High School Principal Derrick Nelson, who died earlier this year after donating bone marrow to a 14-year-old cancer patient.
“After Dr. Nelson’s death, there was significant public outpouring to honor his memory,” the school said in a news release on Thursday, pointing out that flags across the state were flown at half-mast the day of the funeral and that thousands have signed a petition to name Westfield High School after him.
Nelson, 44, died April 8, about two months after undergoing a donation procedure at a Bergen County hospital that left him in a coma.
Before the procedure, Nelson had talked with the high school’s student newspaper about his desire to help the teenager, who lived in France.
“If it’s just a little bit of pain for a little bit of time that can give someone years of joy, it’s all worth it,” Nelson told the student newspaper. The bone marrow would provide stem cells that could help the teen, he said, though the boy’s ailment was not disclosed.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine said Nelson’s name is already on the student life center and that the location “offers students and faculty a place to socialize relax and interact.”
In addition to his role as principal, Nelson served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 20 years and had recently re-enlisted. His military service included an assignment in the Middle East.
Before coming to Westfield, Nelson served as assistant principal in two public schools in Orange and he began his career in education in 2002 as a teacher in the Plainfield School District.
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center, where Nelson underwent the donation procedure. Nelson’s family has sued the hospital, claiming doctors failed to properly monitor Nelson before his death.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.