Bearing banners that read “Pass the light of life,” and walking to the tune of bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace,” dozens of St. Louis families lead a candlelight march honoring organ-donor families and recipients.

The large crowd gathered at the Saint Louis University Clock Tower for a memorial service where a choir composed of fifth graders sang a tribute, including the song “Angels Among Us.”

This annual event was held Tuesday, April 22, marking the 19th year that this group has gathered to honor and remember organ donors and recipients. The evening was especially important to two mothers who lost their loved ones.

Marvetta Purcell lost her son, Robert, on Nov. 11, 2000, from injuries he suffered after accidentally falling off a roof. Purcell decided to help someone else through organ donation in her time of loss.

“I’m so glad that I did it,” Purcell said. “Being around other donors and recipients is a good feeling.”

On March 7, 2001, Gary and Dee Holsapple made the same decision. That was the day their daughter, Sherry, died from injuries in a car accident on Interstate 55. Knowing that Sherry would have wanted her organs donated, the Holsapples’ decision saved the lives of the three people who received her heart, kidneys and liver.

Linda Horner was in need of a heart transplant when this decision was made. After receiving Sherry’s heart, Linda has since had a clean bill of health. The two families met and were surprised at the number of similarities between the two women. Both Sherry and Linda had blond hair, blue eyes and three boys.

Since she was a child, Sherry had collected duck figurines and had shared this interest with her mother. Dee often referred to her daughter as her “baby duck” and was surprised to hear about what happened to Linda as she prepared to fly to St. Louis for the transplant.

Before taking off, a duck flew into the helicopter through an open window and landed in Linda’s lap. After hearing this detail, Dee knew it was a sign from her daughter. Dee and Linda have since developed a strong relationship and talk frequently.

“Being around Linda helps keep Sherry’s spirit alive,” Dee said.

Sherry’s three sons now live with their father, but the Holsapples have adopted Sherry’s youngest daughter, Marissa. At 2-and-a-half, Marissa sits on Dee’s lap and answers a loud “Amen” to the prayer during the service.

Mid-America Transplant Services, Saint Louis University, SLU Hospital and SSM Cardinal Glennon Hospital sponsored the service. Each year, pink and yellow roses are planted in memory of the donors, their families and the recipients. This year, the roses will be planted on the medical school campus. Single roses were given to the families, and candles were lit for the donors and recipients.