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Acadiana woman continues to honor husband with trip to Rose Parade

Posted at 7:01 AM, Jan 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-01 12:42:16-05

Today during the 130th Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, families will remember their loved ones who have given the gift of life through organ donation.

This year the float, created by Donate Life America, is called “Rhythm of the Heart” and will feature masks and the floragraphs honoring those who gave the gift of life.

Acadiana native, Elizabeth Fox will be at the parade again this year as a way to honor her husband David who died of a heart attack several years ago.

Fox says that she and her husband had always talked about going to the parade, but never made the trip before his death. Fox has been carrying on David’s memory by attending the parade in Pasadena each year since.

She also continues to honor her husband through Donate Life America and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.

“All donor families hide behind this mask of loss and grief,” says Fox. “We support our community and our loved ones by teaching them that it’s okay to grieve and be who you are. Because without them in your life you’re not the same person you were when you started.”

This year’s LOPA honoree will be Garrett Thompson who died in 2007. After his death, his family donated his organs. Garret’s organs have helped to save the lives of four recipients.

Garrett’s floragraph will join other honorees decorating the Donate Life float during today’s parade.

The parade begins at 10:00 am Central Time on KATC.