I am happy to note that the Rose Bowl Parade this year will have a float from Donate Life. The aim of the float is to create awareness and make everyone understand that there are over hundred thousand people waiting for an organ to be donated. The float will feature “floragraphs” - portraits created with flowers and floral materials - of organ donors.
Bonnie Lundy-Kwan will be there in the float. A little background about her - She has received a heart transplant at the age of 17 and currently runs a non-profit agency called Transplants for Children. Her agency helps children find donors and also helps them post donation. Bonnie is from San Antonio and is also an endurance runner and an avid cyclist. For Bonnie, this float is special as her donor - Shay Ledbetter’s floragraph will be depected.
Look out for the float and let me know your feedback.
Wish you all a happy new year !
Just read a great story about how a tragedy can spur a new cause.
Samantha Matthews lost her father during a tragic accident and it was her father’s decision to donate his organs that has inspired Samantha to learn more about organ donation and how it changes lives of people.
“Knowing that a part of your loved one helped save somebody else’s life makes it easier to cope with the loss”, - Samantha says.
“There is part of him somewhere still alive and it is wonderful to know that.”
Article from The Times News
I read this news about Kelly Perkins and how she was able to climb to the top of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. This is a remarkable day in organ donation history. Read more about Kelly Perkins and her achievements at the following websites.
Yahoo News on Kelly Perkins
http://www.craigandkelly.com
NY Times has an interesting story about a barista who donated her kidney to her customer. Thanks to the barista - Sandie Andersen for making such a noble gift.
The NYTimes original article
I found a good write up from NYTimes on organ donation. Thanks to Jane Brody for a good eye opener.
The Solvable Problem of Organ Shortages
