Jake was an athletic 15-year-old who loved the Washington Capitals and was a talented hockey player himself and played on his high school team. Junior came to the United States from Colombia when he was five, had recently graduated from high school and was working toward his goal of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. Both had so much more to accomplish.

As Molly was brought from the intensive care unit to the operating room to donate her organs, her shipmates, family, friends and hospital staff lined the hallway, a growing tradition known as an “Honor Walk.” We stood silently in the weight of the moment, collectively mourning such a tragic death and expressing our gratitude for the generosity of this ultimate act. Last year in the United States more people than ever gave the gift of life by donating their organs upon their death. This isn’t the type of record that makes headlines. But it should be.

We marvel at the science. Our hearts break alongside grieving families. And we celebrate the lives saved when the gift of an organ is given. As someone who has worked in this space for more than 30 years, I am proud of the role that organ procurement organizations (OPOs) play in providing care — and hope.