Celebrating Hope and Life at the 2025 OneLegacy Float
The 2025 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float is set to make a vibrant statement at the iconic event on New Year’s Day. This year marks a significant milestone, showcasing 44 honorees who collectively represent a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and the transformative effects of organ donation.
Honoring Lives: A Diverse Group of 44 Participants
Participants in this year’s float range from the tender age of 2 to the inspiring age of 80, each of them on a journey that intertwines with the life-giving mission of organ and tissue donation. The individuals honored come from nine states across the U.S., coming together to share their stories and celebrate the gift of life on this grand stage.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Float Theme
The theme for this year's float, Let Your Life Soar, beautifully encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a donor or recipient—encouraging everyone to embrace the possibilities of life through the gift of donation.
Who’s Riding the Float?
Among the ten riders featured on the float are both young and older individuals whose lives have been saved thanks to the selfless actions of organ donors. Each rider brings a unique story that highlights the importance of organ donation. For example, one youth, a 15-year-old liver recipient, and another, a 17-year-old who received a heart and lung transplant, stand alongside eight other incredible riders. These remarkable individuals share their personal journeys and the profound impact that organ donation has had on their lives.
Meet the Inspiring Float Riders
The float riders include:
- Aleah Hartung from Reno, Nevada, who received a kidney from her boyfriend, Blake Lalli.
- Angel Dominguez, a heart transplant recipient since infancy.
- Celina Medina, a two-time kidney recipient who exemplifies strength and resilience.
- Harley Duffer, who received both a heart and a kidney from the same generous donor.
- Jaylee Bou-Silverio, the youngest rider and a liver recipient.
- Jessica Horton, who inspires as a cornea recipient.
- Jermell Robinson, saved by a double lung transplant.
- Juan Hernandez, a kidney transplant recipient.
- Michael Rizzo, a retired paramedic who received a heart transplant.
- Roza Saad, a college student who overcame severe health challenges through organ donation.
Walking with Purpose: The Living Donor Heroes
Accompanying the float are eight living donors who embody the spirit of generosity. These individuals have profoundly impacted lives through their selfless actions, some even participating in multiple donations. A remarkable story is that of a living donor who has successfully donated both a kidney and a liver.
Profiles of Meaningful Contributions
The living donors include:
- Blake Lalli, who donated a kidney to his girlfriend, showcasing love and sacrifice.
- Cindy Zbin, a passionate altruistic donor who enjoys exploring the world.
- Dominique Overturf, an altruistic donor who initiated a kidney chain.
- Josh Harrold, whose multiple donations exemplify commitment.
- Luis Mayen, who tells a moving story of transformation through organ donation.
- Patricia Gardner, who created a kidney chain to save lives.
- Tara Hernandez, a devoted community member who inspires through her actions.
- Veronica Salas, who made a decision to donate for her father's sake.
Floragraphs: Honoring Those Who Gave the Gift of Life
The float also honors 26 deceased donors through beautiful floral portraits, known as floragraphs. These portraits, made from organic materials, are placed prominently on the float to symbolize the everlasting impact of these donors. Each individual portrayed has made an extraordinary sacrifice, enabling others to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Profiles of Honored Donors
Some of the honored individuals include:
- Aaron Clark, a devoted family man.
- Athena Zepeda, a determined young warrior.
- Avriel Price, whose memory lives on through her donations.
- Celeste Covarrubias, a loving mother.
- Dr. Raj Shah, a pediatrician who exemplified a commitment to care.
- Truong Thai, a courageous police officer who donated to help others.
This year’s float is a testament to OneLegacy’s commitment to inspire and educate the public about organ, eye, and tissue donation. As the venerable floats glide by, each story told ignites conversations and motivates individuals to consider incorporating donation into their own lives.
With over one million people in the U.S. alone waiting for life-saving transplants, the message to register as a donor has never been more critical. Everyone is encouraged to visit registerme.org to join the mission of saving lives through donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the OneLegacy Donate Life float?
The float aims to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, celebrating both donors and recipients.
How many participants are involved in the float this year?
This year, there are 44 participants, including both organ recipients and living donors.
What does the float's design signify?
The float's theme, Let Your Life Soar, symbolizes the impact and hope brought by organ donation.
Where can I learn more about becoming a donor?
You can visit registerme.org for more information on how to register as an organ, eye, or tissue donor.
How does OneLegacy support organ donation?
OneLegacy works to inspire and educate individuals about the importance of donating life-saving organs through events like the Rose Parade float.
