Dec. 11, 2014 – Southeast Georgia Health System 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, 2015, the Donate
Life Rose Parade Float titled ‘The Never-Ending Story’ will
include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications
by hospital CEO’s across the country including Southeast Georgia
Health System President & CEO, Gary R. Colberg, FACHE, in addition
to dedications honoring organ, tissue or eye donors, or transplant recipients.
“With this rose dedication, Southeast Georgia Health System publically
recognizes our team member’s dedication and commitment to organ
and tissue donation,” said Colberg. “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 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. The 2015 Donate Life Rose Parade Float features 60 beautiful butterflies
emerging from an open book, representing the number of lives transformed
by a single deceased donor. The butterflies ascend above 72 volumes adorned
with floragraph portraits of deceased donors whose legacies are nurtured
by their loved ones. Walking alongside the float will be 12 living organ
donors whose stories have become intertwined with those of their recipients.
Seated among thousands of dedicated roses are 30 riders representing transplant
recipients who celebrate the new chapters of their lives made possible
only by the generosity of donors.
For the thousands of Georgians listed for a life-saving 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 60 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 license or state
identification card.