What should have been a graduation day became something else for Emily Matejovitz’s family, a chance to meet the three people whose lives she saved.

The Michigan family spent June 2, what would have been Emily’s high school graduation day, honoring the lives she helped save through organ donation at Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon, Michigan.

Emily died in December 2024 at age 16 amid mental health struggles, according to Gift of Life Michigan, which helps facilitate organ donations in the state.

Her mother, Rebecca, described Emily as a “ray of light” and said her daughter chose to become an organ donor when she registered for her ID several months before her death.

That decision saved three people, all of whom attended the graduation day gathering.

“It was an amazing experience,” Rebecca said. “I’m grateful Emily’s organs went to wonderful people and that her donation fulfilled what she ultimately wanted to do, which was help others.”

“The fact that they traveled so far to honor her without hesitation warmed my heart,” she said. “All of this is helping put some of the pieces back together after my heart was shattered.”

Among those there was 16-year-old Virginia resident Landon Coleman, who received Emily’s heart.

“It means a lot to meet the people who raised and loved the person who gave me a second chance at life,” Landon said. “I hope it brings them some peace, too.”

He said he is now looking ahead to milestones that once seemed uncertain.

“I’m looking forward to getting my driver’s license, graduating and going to college,” he said. “Those are opportunities I have because someone chose to be a donor.”

Also at the gathering was 4-year-old West Virginia resident Ripley Ferrell, who received one of Emily’s kidneys.

Ripley’s mother, Audra Ferrell, said watching her son hug Rebecca was one of the most meaningful moments her family has experienced since the transplant.

“Watching Ripley laugh and reach out to give Rebecca the biggest hug was incredible,” Audra said. “Aside from the day he received his transplant, this is one of the best days our family has ever had.”

“People often say organ donation is the gift of life. What it really gives is opportunity, the opportunity to grow up, make memories and experience all the things that make up a life,” she said.

Audra said her family later launched the Emily Matejovitz Foundation, which provides scholarships and helps children access mental health services.

“When we learned Emily was a child, it changed everything,” Audra said. “We wanted to create something meaningful in her honor.”

A 54-year-old man who received Emily’s liver and one of her kidneys also attended.

Gift of Life Michigan said the gathering also highlighted the ongoing need for organ donors. The organization said more than 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for life-saving transplants, including more than 2,600 in Michigan.

Read more from People.