CHICOPEE, Mass. - Kathy Balakier hasn't had an easy journey, but things have been looking up.

The former Springfield teacher, and the wife of Ward 4 City Councilor George Balakier, received a second chance at life.

"I have a smile under this mask, and I had one the whole process and I am sure that my family did, too," said Balakier.

When Spectrum News 1 spoke to Balakier back in November, she was in need of a new liver and was in search of a matching donor.

These days, Balakier calls March 16 her "second birthday." It's the day she successfully received a new liver. 

"It's such a celebration to have a new organ, you know, to continue life," said Kathy Balakier.

As the City of Chicopee celebrated Organ and Donation Day, Kathy Balakier was surrounded by friends and family, and others who also shared their life changing experiences. 

One of those who spoke at the event was Lauren Meizo, a triple organ transplant recipient. 

"I bought my first house with my fiance. Now that is something a lot of people may take for granted, getting engaged like we did two years ago, getting a dog, but to me that was a huge milestone, something I never thought I would get the chance to do," said Meizo. 

Meizo is just 30 years old and has received two hearts and a kidney transplant. She went to grammar school with Balakier's daughter, so it was a special moment when they raised the Donate Life flag. 

"[Meizo is] miraculous what she has been through, she has been an inspiration. So I will always think of her like that and she still is," said Kathy Balakier. 

Balakier said stories like Meizo's and the support of her family, helped her get through this. 

"There were a lot of struggles and really hard times the past few months, but to see her how she is now it's all worth it and she now has a new lease on life and so much to look forward to so we are both grateful," said Kathy's daughter, Meghan Balakier.

Kathy Balakier had not met her donor, but it's been six weeks after the transplant and they are both doing well. Balakier said she had a doctor appointment earlier this week where they let her know that both her and her donor's livers have already started to regenerate and grow.

Anyone who is interested in becoming an organ donor can sign up at the Registry of Motor Vehicles or online at registerme.org.