A DREAM BLOSSOMS

Like most worthy endeavors, the Coalition on Donation Rose Parade Float began with a personal inspiration. It is to the good fortune of the donation/transplantation community that Gary Foxen, a lung recipient from Orange, Calif. and member of TRIO’s Ventura County/West Valley Chapter, put his dream in writing in a letter to Robert Mendez, M.D., Chairman and President of OneLegacy.

“I am one of those whose life was saved” by a transplant, wrote Foxen in the letter dated April 17, 2001. “It truly has made me a new person and I will forever be indebted to the family that made me the object of their generosity. I have been trying to find a way to repay society for this wonderful gift and I believe I have a good idea on how to do that.”

Two-and-a-half years later, Gary is thrilled at the thought of seeing his dream become a reality. “I’m glad so many people saw what I did: that a Rose Parade float would focus positive attention and bring a human face on the subject of organ and tissue donation and transplantation,” Foxen said. “I have hope that our combined efforts will save the lives of many others by inspiring people to become donors.”

On January 1st, Gary will be sitting in the grandstands alongside his wife Lois, who helped him refine his idea, urged him to write the letter to Dr. Mendez and, as a registered nurse, helped Gary through his transplant experience. “I’m very grateful to the organizers and supporters of who are making the float possible, because not all dreams are realized.”

This New Year’s Day, this is one dream that will come to life, thanks to the Coalition on Donation, 56 official partners, dozens of contributors, hundreds of volunteers, and an invitation from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. We invite you to learn about the organizations, people and process that together will create "A Symphony of Life."