COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)–Local organ transplant recipients and donor family members carried a torch across the city Friday to raise awareness to the need for organ donation.

The torch is working its way to Cleveland for the National Transplant Games, an Olympic-style event for organ transplant recipients, scheduled for June 10-15.

Lifeline of Ohio says more than 121,000 individuals are on the national waiting list, and every day 22 people die for a lack of an available organ.

Participants in the local “Torch Run for Life” paused at City Hall where Mayor Andrew Ginther honored the memory and sacrifice of police officer Steve Smith. Smith was shot and killed this week during a barricade situation in Clintonville. Smith’s organs are expected to save eight lives.

“Even in his death he continues to offer the gift of life to up to 8 individuals,” Ginther said. “What a powerful testimony and example.”

Sydnee Williams was 17 years old when she died in a car accident in October of 2013. Her parents, Brock and Sara Dietrich of Gahanna, say having the ability to donate Sydnee’s organs proved to be a great comfort.

“The donation has really made a difference for really helping our process from a grieving perspective to really seeing what Sydnee was able to do after her death in helping other people,” Brock Dietrich said.

Ted Staton of Upper Arlington received Sydnee’s pancreas and kidneys.

“It’s meant everything to me,” Staton said.

Before the transplant, Staton spent 10 hours a day tied to a dialysis machine.

While passing Columbus police headquarters, Staton, the Dietrichs and others paused for a moment of silence to honor Officer Smith and his family.

“He will have made or saved lives or changed them in incredibly significant ways,”Staton said.

Transplant recipients and donor families say they’ve found a bond with other recipients and donor family members.

“You get to be a part of so many amazing events and then you get to share your hero’s story as often as you want,” said Sara Dietrich. “So that’s a great gift to have and it helps bring a lot of comfort I think.”What others are clicking on: