[by Sam’s parents, Fran and Ranea Pesaresi]

Organ donation was always something we were aware of but it never really took center stage until the horrible night when we would be faced with our daughter's death and would be asked if we would be willing to donate her organs to save other lives. Three lives were saved due to the donations. We have been in contact through exchanged letters with all three of the recipients. We have expanded on the communication with one of the recipients, Mike Mania Jr, to include meeting him and his wonderful family on several occasion. The relationship between the Manias and my family has been a wonderful exchange of love, stories, tears, and laughter. It is very rewarding to see something so tragic as the loss of a loved one transform the lives of others into a life of hope and the deepest gratitude.