SAN ANTONIO -- It is the time of year to be thankful, and for two ladies at University Hospital, they are hoping to have something to be even more thankful for -- a new liver.

Both Misty Miller, 34, and Heather Arocha, 29, a mother of two, are in the critical stages of their disease.

"They're just hopeful. That is all they have left. Their livers are gone," said Jennifer Milton, director of University Hospital Transplant Center.

There have been several opportunities for possible transplants, but the families of those deceased chose otherwise.

The patients and the transplant center are using this critical situation to emphasize the need for organ donors.

"If there are families out there facing an unimaginable loss, when they say yes to donation they may be able to save another wonderful family," Milton said.

There are over 11,000 patients in Texas who are waiting on donated organs, Milton said.