Celebrating Donate Life’s Rose Parade Honorees
As we reach the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on what the Rose Parade has always symbolized to me: new beginnings. Since the Rose Parade happens on New Year’s Day, it serves as a reminder that every year brings fresh opportunities for hope, generosity, and connection. New beginnings happen for donors who give the gift of life, for donor families who honor their loved one’s wishes, and for recipients who receive another chance at life. Seeing the parade and meeting our float participants each year grounds me in our mission.
Ending the year by highlighting stories of hope and generosity feels especially important. It is easy to focus on the challenges around us, but these stories remind me that kindness is powerful and life-changing. I hope that as you read this blog, you feel encouraged to consider your own connection to donation. Occasionally, I like to ask those who are not registered, would you accept a donated organ if you needed one? It is good food for thought for anyone considering registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Spotlight on the Rose Parade Float
Donate Life’s Rose Parade Float
This year’s Rose Parade float invites us to come together and appreciate our everyday blessings. I believe this kind of shared gratitude can be an uplifting experience that gives us strength and inspiration. The Rose Parade is one of the most-watched events on television, and the opportunity to share Donate Life California’s mission and good work with millions of viewers is something we never take for granted.
The float, along with the walkers and riders who accompany it, represents real people and real miracles. Every individual featured on or alongside the float is a reminder that donation happens year-round. On New Year’s Day, we take a moment to honor a few of the many brave individuals whose lives have been changed by the selfless decision to say yes to donation.
Honoring Our DMV Heroes: Raquel Armstrong and Zeida Woods
This year, we are proud to honor two remarkable DMV employees who embody the courage, generosity, and impact of donation.
Zeida Woods
Raquel Armstrong, a living liver donor, saved her mother’s life in a moment when time was running out. What moved me most about her story was how close to death her mom became before she received the transplant. Raquel’s determination, love and advocacy speak to the heart of living donation. Her willingness to act brought her mother back to health and left her family with a legacy of strength.
Raquel Armstrong
Zeida Woods shares her story in memory of her brother, Carlos Giovanni Woods, who registered as a donor at just 18. When he died unexpectedly in a tragic accident, their mother made the courageous choice to honor his donation wishes. What resonates with me most is the strength it took to make that decision in the midst of profound grief. Carlos went on to save a life with his heart donation, and his legacy continues almost 30 years later.
This year, Carlos will be honored on our Rose Parade float with a floragraph, a floral portrait created entirely from natural materials. It is a beautiful and symbolic way to recognize donors whose gifts continue to ripple outward, long after their time on earth. Seeing his floragraph among the tributes reminds us all that one decision, made at any age, can change the world for another family.
Both of these stories remind me that caring people can work miracles. Simple answers in difficult situations can lead to a longer life, a marriage, a growing family, or simply the opportunity to enjoy everyday life. Hearing these stories makes me pause and be thankful for the blessings in my own life.
The Role of DMV Partners in Saving Lives
Our DMV partners interact with millions of Californians each year and are truly on the front lines of donation education. Nineteen point eight million Californians would not be registered without their help. DMV teams are part of our public relations efforts, our education efforts, and our mission in every sense. Recognizing DMV employees on the float this year is a small way to say thank you for the tremendous impact they have made. Since 95 percent of donor registrations come through the DMV, their work is essential to every life saved.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Purpose
As we enter the new year, I am filled with hope. I know Californians are generous, caring people. I look forward to hearing more stories and meeting more individuals who demonstrate the everyday heroism found in organ, eye and tissue donation. In the coming months, I hope to continue conversations about our College Education Programs and the option to register on California Income Tax Forms.
The new year is a fresh start. As you watch the Rose Parade, I invite you to take a moment to support and encourage each other, not only in donation but in everyday life. If you have questions or topics you would like to see in future blogs, please reach out. I look forward to sharing more on the first Wednesday of each month as we continue this important journey together.
For more information about Donate Life California, please visit www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or in Spanish at www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.
