This year the Donate Life Rose Parade® float was awarded the highest trophy given by the Pasadena Rose Parade judges-The Sweepstakes Award. The award is given to the most beautiful entry: encompassing float design, floral presentation, and entertainment.

Donate Life South Carolina is proud to sponsor two walkers and a rider on this year’s float. Thomas Dougall is a living kidney donor to friend, neighbor and Rose Parade float rider, Jo Byrd. Wendy Dougall our second walker, celebrates her experience as a tissue recipient.

“The story of Jo and Thomas represents the kindness that you or your neighbor can provide by becoming a donor, states Tracy Moore, Executive Director of Donate Life South Carolina. We believe that selflessness is what South Carolina is all about. South Carolina joins in celebrating the opportunity to rise above and embrace a fresh start, full of hope and joy.”  Donate Life South Carolina is grateful for the support of Global Transplant Solutions for their dedication to the Donate Life Community and sponsorship support in this year’s Donate Life Rose Parade Float. 

Prisma Health’s new kidney transplant program at Greenville Memorial Hospital has received approval to perform kidney transplants by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which oversees organ procurement and allocation nationally. The Prisma Health Transplant Center will be the only transplant center in the Upstate area of South Carolina and will bring leading-edge care to kidney disease patients who previously had to travel more than 100 miles for transplant-related procedures.

Last year, more than 5,700 people became living donors.  Living donors can be part of the solution to solve the donor shortage and possibly save the life of someone who wishes to pursue a transplant.  Learn more about the different options for living donation- Directed Donation, Kidney-paired Donation, and Non-direct Donation.  What can YOU make possible?