Most college graduates spend their days celebrating and kicking off their career. But for Karen, her days were spent in the hospital, awaiting a new heart.

Thanks to the courageous act of Thomas, an organ donor hero, Karen was able to live on—and eventually give life of her own. The transplant happened eight years ago and the woman recently gave birth to a girl thanks to her survival through the heart transplant.

Thomas, a student-athlete at Shoreham-Wading River when he died playing the game he loved, lives on in the spirit of others.

Hear more from this first time mom about her transplant journey and gift of life.