Supporting Organ Donation at the Rose Parade

By: Martin Kinnunen

A little piece of UPMC will be represented at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., today. A rose vial with a note signed by John Innocenti, president, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, will be used to hold a flower on the Donate Life Float.

Sponsored by Donate Life America, the float is intended to educate people about organ donation and the more than 120,000 Americans awaiting a transplant, as well as to honor those donors who have given the gift of life.

rose“UPMC’s transplant programs are among the world’s largest and are internationally renowned for their influence on the field of transplantation. Millions of people across the country will see the Donate Life Float during the Rose Parade, and it’s a perfect way to honor organ donors and their families,” Mr. Innocenti said.

In the photo above are, from left, Amy Weisgerber, coordinator, Family Support and Education, Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE); Mr. Innocenti; Holly Lorenz, chief nurse executive, UPMC, chief nursing officer and vice president, Patient Care Services, UPMC Presbyterian; Josh Corcoran, associate director, Professional Services, CORE; and Erin Tecca, manager, Transplant Program Development, UPMC.