ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — LifeLink of Florida says more lives were saved through organ donation in 2020 than ever before.

Count Marissa Arvonio among them.

At 34, the newlywed's kidneys were failing, she was also diabetic and had an autoimmune disease attacking her nerves.

"My body started shutting down and when I was placed in the hospital, I actually almost lost my life and that’s where dialysis began,” said Arvonio. "Just in the knick of time, I got the call. I got the call the day before my birthday for my transplant and I received it on my 35th birthday.”

LifeLink says more people are saying yes to donation, in-fact, LifeLink says the state registry just hit 11.4 million people, it's the third largest registry in the country.

Arvonio's life-saving kidney and pancreas transplants in 2020 were a part LifeLink of Florida's record-setting year for organ transplants. LifeLink saw a record number of 293 donors, resulting in 913 organ transplants, that's a 20% increase from 2019.

"Great things can come out of such sorrow," said Arvonio.

It's sorrow Tammy Davison feels after the death of her 22-year-old son, DJ.

"My biggest fear is him being forgotten,” said Davison.

DJ lives on, however, as an organ donor.

"His heart, both kidneys, his liver, his corneas, also donated tissues," said Davison.

His heart now beats inside a family-man named Bernie. Tammy got to listen.

"To hear his heart beat was just priceless,” said Davison, who holds on the the priceless memories DJ brings to Bernie's family.

"He was able to see his child, get married and see another grandchild be born, said Davison, "it’s truly amazing."

Amazing for the grieving donor family.

"I can literally see what my son’s death, the positivity of it, it just really helps," said Davison.

Amazing for the recipient and their family.

"Life is just incredible," said Arvonio. "I can tell you that when I woke up two days after transplant in the hospital I said, wow I never know what it felt like to feel good.”

"I have two of my hero’s organs inside of me and it definitely gives you a new purpose," said Arvonio.

"Everyday I try to do something to pay it forward.”

LifeLink works with deceased donors and their families and say they were able to continue to recover throughout the pandemic. Five-thousand Floridians are waiting for transplants. LifeLink says it's difficult to determine the exact reason for record numbers, a representative says LifeLink did not stop recoveries and were able to quickly implement COVID-19 testing on all potential donors. LifeLink also says more people are saying yes to donating. Donate Life Florida is the third largest registry in the country.