In honor of National Organ Donation Month in April, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital hosted patients, donors and medical staff for a gift of life luncheon.

"It's an opportunity to really acknowledge our patients, to thank them for choosing to come here, and for us to showcase the amazing things that are transforming here at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital," said Marci Daniel, the hospital's vice president of Heart and Vascular Service Line and Transplant Service Line.

Donors, caregivers, patients and health care workers all came out in droves to reflect on kidney, pancreas and heart transplant success stories over the years at the hospital.

When it comes to the heart transplant program, Daniel touted it as one of the programs in the nation with a 100% success rate five years post-transplant.

Transplant recipients, medical staff and donors had time at the podium, while reunions happened left and right for patients forever changed by the gift of life.

Among those was Paul Marini, who reconnected with his transplant surgeon during Friday’s event. He received a kidney in June after being on dialysis for years.

"I love them. They put me through good times and bad times, especially him,” said Marini. "They're wonderful people. God put them on this earth to help everybody."

Kidney donor Sheila Devaney also caught up with her recipient, a veteran she was matched with through the Donor Outreach for Veterans organization.

"I'm just so glad that I could make that possible. That I could help him get back to a normal life like I have,” said Devaney.

Those interested in becoming a donor can sign up with New Jersey’s state registry or with the National Donate Life Registry.