SCRANTON, Pa. — Each of the squares on this quilt shares the story of someone who shared their organs at the end of their life.
The quilt greeted guests at the Radisson in downtown Scranton ahead of the Gift of Life Donor Program Life & Legacy Celebration.
Emotions run high, so the event is closed to the public.
But heart recipient Patti Miletta wanted to share her story, "I had a heart condition that just kept deteriorating my heart; it's a rare genetic defect that has affected many members of my family."
That includes her own daughter Sarah. She watched her mom receive a heart in 2003.
Then went through it herself 17 years later.
"I was tested for this disease, and I knew that it was going to happen to me. I knew that I eventually would have a heart transplant. So, I got accustomed to the idea, but not to the effect of when it actually happened. So many emotions," said Sarah Miletta, Mount Cobb.
Both described it as bittersweet, knowing someone had to lose their life in order to save theirs.
Patti gave Sarah her first gift of life. This event allows her to thank the person who gave Sarah her second chance.
"This is a beautiful celebration of life and legacy of donors and their families. To let them know how much it means that their loved one's legacy lives forever. It lives on not only in the recipients but all who know us and get to share in the life that we're allowed to continue to live," said Patti.