Debbie MacLaren of Turlock received a heart transplant in October 2007.
Her life-saving donation came after a Fresno teen named Cassandra Hendrix died and donated her organs.
Cassandra's mother says her daughter's decision to be a donor saved four people's lives.
Debbie said words cannot express her gratitude.
"But at the same time to know that they had their loss big deep loss no one can say enough words, enough thank yous for what occurred here," MacLaren said.
The two families met prior to a gathering to honor others whose final act was the gift of life for someone else.
The event recognized 250 donors and their families.
