Organ transplant patients, their families and the families of those who have donated organs gathered yesterday for the annual Candle Lighting Ceremony. Loyola University Health System is one of the few transplant centers in the nation that sets aside a day each year at the end of April to bring together these groups.

Heart, lung, liver and kidney organ recipients spoke and gave thanks to their donors and to the physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and priests who cared for them during their time at Loyola. Family member Bobbi Nance also spoke about her brother Nick who gave the gift of life to others when he passed away suddenly nearly 10 years ago.

Organ recipients and those waiting for a transplant concluded the ceremony by lighting candles in memory and thanksgiving to those who have given life to others through organ donation. The lighted candles represent the gift of life that each person carries.