Ceremony Honors The Sacrifice Of Organ Donors

(CBS) -- It's a story of heartache, and heroics.

The chapel inside Loyola University Medical Center is illuminated by the glow of candles. It's also warmed by the appreciation of those receiving a gift they can never repay.

Emotion, preceded by tragedy, brings Alicia Guerrero and her family.

Her daughter, 15-year-old Briana Valle, was shot and killed back in February 2014.

Her life was cut short, but through organ donations, the lives of others are extended. "She was able to save three lives," Guerrero says. "She was a hero."

The family hopes to eventually learn who Briana saved. For now, her mother's steps to light a candle are steps towards closure.

Donor families are able to reach out to recipients through letters. Not everyone gets a reply to meet.

Thursday's service motivated  Guerrero to start that process.