Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island has partnered with the New England Organ Bank to honor and remember those who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. On January 1, 2014, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float titled “Light Up the World” will include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital CEOs from across the country, including Mark Marcantano, acting president at Women & Infants.
Marcantano said, “With this rose dedication, Women & Infants publicly recognizes our staff’s dedication and commitment to organ and tissue donation. We are excited to be part of this celebration of life watched by millions on New Year’s Day.”
Since its debut on New Year’s Day 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 television and along the parade route, hundreds of events are held in cities and towns across the country to complete the floragraph portraits of donors that adorn the float.
The rose dedication garden is part of the float’s design, which will transport 30 riders whose own journeys as transplant recipients, living donors and family members of deceased organ, eye and tissue donors encompass the highs and lows that life has to offer. The float’s 200-foot-long, heart-shaped pathway will be lined with 72 memorial “floragraph” portraits of deceased donors who are remembered every step of the way.