OMAHA, Neb. -- Hundreds of organ donation recipients and their families expressed gratitude for their lifesaving gifts at a transplant reunion in Omaha Saturday.

“It brings tears to my eyes,” said Jackie Gulzow, whose son received a donor liver near two years ago. Trey Gulzow had surgery six weeks after his birth but it didn’t work. The transplant was the only way to save his life, she said.

“Two and a half years ago, we weren’t sure he’d ever get this chance, so it’s great to finally see him be able to be a kid and just enjoy himself,” said Jeff Gulzow,

The Gulzows were just one success story celebrated Saturday at Nebraska Medical Center. People from 19 different states came to give thanks and share their experiences.

Laura Hogue brought her 2-year-old daughter Caroline, who received a small bowel transplant.

“Caroline was transplanted almost two years ago. She’s doing well,” said Hogue. “It’s an opportunity for us to have a check up and to say thank you to the people who took care of us.”

Participants at the reunion also held a moment of silence to remember the donors.

Nearly 4,000 transplants have been performed at the Nebraska Medical Center.