By Tiffany Miles, BHMC-LR Family Service Coordinator, Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency
The morning of New Year’s Day, the 122nd Tournament of Roses parade was viewed by millions of people around the world. More people watch this particular parade than any other, and the theme of this year’s parade was “Building Dreams, Friendships, & More.”
With a little help from the Tournament of Roses, Baptist Health and the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency partnered together to honor those who gave the gift of life through organ, tissue, and cornea donation in 2009.
The incredible gift each of these individuals gave was honored by having a dedicated rose placed in a vial that carried a unique personal message of love, hope, and remembrance for each of them.
These dedicated roses were placed on the Donate Life float in a design element called the Family Circle Garden. The theme of the Donate Life float was “Seize the Day!”
There are more than 110,000 Americans who are waiting for the gift of life through organ donation, and thousands more are waiting for the gift of life through tissue and cornea donation.
Imagine not being able to do the things you love or see those you love. I am challenging each of you to make the ultimate new year’s resolution by designating yourself to become an organ, tissue, and eye donor.
This can be done by having “organ donor” placed on your driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles or you can visit donatelifearkansas.org to designate your wishes.
On Jan. 12, employees and visitors of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock had the opportunity to designate their wishes by registering to become an organ, tissue, and/or eye donor.
Will you Seize the Day and make a difference to those around you?