By Tabassum Ali

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The third “Gift of Life” celebration was held on Saturday to honor those who donated organs in 2014. This year, 40 more names were added to the wall, bringing the total so far to 320. On the Chandler Hospital wall, people who donated organs between 1964 and 2012 were memorialized.

Lynsey Farrar, liver recipient and granddaughter of an organ donor, told her story at the event. She said she was a very healthy person before needing a transplant, but her health took a turn for the worse.

“It is a miracle I am standing here today,” she said. “No words can describe how blessed we are for a second chance (at) life.”

Farrar also said it was important for donors’ families to know how grateful the recipients are.

“I am very grateful to my donor, who is an unknown hero to me,” Farrar said.

Farrar has gotten back to her education and is a sophomore studying chemistry at Georgetown University.

Andrew Bernard, an associate professor of surgery and the section head of Acute Care Surgery, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, said this event was to show appreciation and respect.

“I look forward to this event every year,” Bernard said. “When people are at the lowest moments of their life, they look past their grief and decide to help others. Donations affect families in a lot of ways.”

Rhonda Hamilton, a donor’s mother, spoke about the life of her daughter, Alexandra Hamilton, and the tragedy that in the end helped four other people.

“The decision to become an organ donor was her own decision,” Rhonda Hamilton said.

Kenard Bosley from Richmond attended to honor his son, who died at the age of 53 from a stroke.

“It feels like a part of him is still here,” Bosely said. “Children should bury their parents, not the other way around. Sometimes it brings the grief back, but I’m feeling much better today.”

Hannah and Rachel Lucas lost a brother last year at the age of 21. Their grandfather also received a heart transplant 18 years ago.

“We just want people to research this and make a well-educated decision to become an organ donor or not,” said Hanna Lucas, who is currently a senior studying social work at the University of Pikeville.

There are 900 people on the transplant waiting list in Kentucky alone, Bernard said, and 12,400 who need organs across the U.S.

“There is a serious need for more organ donors,” Bernard said. “Hopefully there will be other ways in the future.”