Phoebe is pleased to partner with LifeLink of Georgia to honor and remember those who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.  On January 1, 2018, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float titled “The Gift of Time” will include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital CEOs across the country, including Joel Wernick, Phoebe President & CEO.  These dedications celebrate transplant recipients and living donors, honor deceased donors and thank individuals and groups who support and take part in the donation and transplantation community.
 
“With this rose dedication, Phoebe publically recognizes our staff’s dedication and commitment to organ and tissue donation,” Wernick said.  “We are excited to be part of this celebration of life watched by millions on New Year’s Day.”
 
Since its debut in 2004, the Donate Life Rose Parade float has become the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people to become organ and tissue donors.  In addition to the 40 million viewers who watch the Rose Parade on TV and along the parade route, hundreds of events are held in cities and towns around the country to complete the “floragraphs” (floral portraits) of donors that adorn the float.
 
Dedicated roses placed by donor families, transplant recipients and candidates, hospitals, transplant centers and organ, tissue and eye recovery organizations nationwide create floral jewels that adorn the base of the float.  Each dedicated rose is placed in a vial that carries a unique and personal message of love, hope and remembrance, and honors donors, recipients, and others who have been touched by organ and tissue donation.
 
The Gift of Time float depicts a vibrantly colored, tropical backdrop that dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mexico.  It celebrates the gift of life as 16 costumed riders sit alongside the jungle, against stone carvings, drawing on the strength they have gained from their donors to continue and thrive on life’s journey.  The monumental Aztec calendar draws the eye to the center of the float, where 44 donors are honored with floragraphs.  Alongside the float, eight living donors and recipients will carry baskets of fruit and flowers in celebration of the renewed life they have shared with one another and the world.
 
For the thousands of Georgians listed for a lifesaving transplant, organ donation offers hope for a longer life.  Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age or medical history.  A single donor can save or improve the lives of nearly 75 people.  Organ and tissue donation is about life.  Visit www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org to register your donation decision.  You may also register when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or state identification card.