Smiles were shared, stories were told, families embraced, and loved ones were honored on a warm October day at Steele Indian School Park. Marcel Pincince, director of Donor Family and Advocate Services at Donor Network of Arizona, spoke deeply to hundreds of donor families about the power of their love ones’ donation and how special the gift of life truly is. Families decorated “generosity rocks” to later serve in memory of someone they love, or to pass on to someone else as a reminder of the power of kindness.

More than 1,400 people came together Oct. 20, 2019, to honor organ, eye and tissue donors. The Celebration of Life provides an opportunity for families to celebrate their loved ones’ generosity while meeting other donor families, recipients, living donors and Donate Life Arizona volunteers. The family-friendly atmosphere included live music, bounce houses, lawn games, a photo booth, food, a memory garden and more.

Damion Arbizu attended the event with his family to honor his brother. He shared how the event was an incredible opportunity to reflect on family members who leave behind a legacy of generosity with their willingness to give the gift of life.

“This is our first year and we want to take it all in, but also acknowledge people who are going through the same thing,” Arbizu says. “I’m glad to be a part of something like this.”

Arbizu’s brother was generous and kind, always helping those less fortunate. When he passed, he donated tissue and organs, helping to save and heal the lives of others.

“He was the type to see someone who needed help and help them,” Arbizu says. “My brother was a real good person, real caring.”

Many took comfort in dedicating time to reflect on the legacies of these heroes, and share their journey of loss, hope and healing.