Monica is an aid to Dr. Sandra Pena, a Portland heart surgeon. Sandra’s favorite patient, Ilena, is in need of a heart transplant and time is running out to find a compatible donor. Meanwhile, at a hospital in Boise, Angela, the victim of a horse riding accident, lays dying. Sandra is excited to learn that Angela may be the compatible donor Ilena desperately needs. Tess, an organ donor specialist, tries to convince Angela’s husband Dan to donate Angela’s heart. Unwilling to believe that his wife is dying, he refuses to agree to the transplant.

In an attempt to lift Ilena’s spirits, Monica introduces her to Sandra’s daughter, Casey. The two teenagers quickly become attached.  When Sandra learns that the heart is unavailable, she warns Casey of Ilena’s fate, and insists she not see Ilena anymore. Rather than give up hope, Casey takes a bus to Boise, without Sandra’s permission, in hopes of convincing Dan to donate Angela’s heart. In Boise Casey meets Andrew, who has been sitting with Angela and comforting Dan. Tess introduces Casey to Dan. She tells Dan of Ilena, and how there is a real person in need of Angela’s heart. This only angers Dan and, in denial about Angela’s condition, he refuses to discuss the matter any further. Defeated, Casey returns to Portland, where an angry Sandra awaits her.

While driving home, Sandra and Casey argue, causing an accident. Casey suffers severe head trauma. Monica speaks with a distraught Sandra about Casey’s condition and the possibility that Casey’s heart may be a good match for Ilena. Sandra refuses to consider the possibility. At the same time Ilena is unwillingly to take her good friend’s heart. Monica reveals herself to Sandra, telling her that though she and Casey may not always see eye-to-eye it’s okay to have differences, and that the bond between a mother and daughter is one of God’s greatest gifts.

Meanwhile, Andrew reveals himself to Dan telling him that Angela wishes to donate her heart. As Sandra waits with Casey, she tells her how much she loves their differences and that’s what makes their relationship special. Casey recovers and Dan agrees to the donation, but it’s too late, Ilena has passed away. Weeks later, Dan receives a letter from Casey, who informs him that Angela’s heart did not go unused, it was donated to another needy individual. Casey acknowledges Dan’s difficult decision and thanks him for his generous gift of life.