Guest columnist Katie Payne is CEO of Lifebanc, Northeast Ohio’s only nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization.

As families gather this Thanksgiving -- around full tables with even fuller hearts -- many of us will pause to reflect on what we’re thankful for: family, friends, health and the simple joy of being together.

At Lifebanc, gratitude holds an especially profound meaning.

Every day, we witness one of the most extraordinary expressions of generosity imaginable -- the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation.

It is a privilege to see what happens when compassion triumphs over loss and selflessness transforms tragedy into hope.

This season, I find myself thinking about two sides of that same gift -- the families who say yes to donation in their darkest moments a

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