Rose Parade float to honor late Sparta boy as an organ donor

NEW JERSEY HERALD | Bruce A. Scruton

Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald - The family of the late Isak Anderson — from left, Kylen, Ellen and Tom Anderson — stands under his portrait in Sparta during an unveiling of a custom floragraph portrait of Isak that will be featured on the Donate Life float during the 128th Rose Parade on Monday in Pasadena, Calif.

SPARTA -- Isak Anderson died in July 2014, but some of the 14-year-old's transplanted organs have given continued life to others.

And on Monday, the Sparta youth's face will appear on the Donate Life float in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and televised by several networks beginning at 11 a.m.

This is the 14th year the organ donor group has had an entry in the parade. The float, called Teammates in Life, will be the 10th unit, including a B-2 flyover, to pass the reviewing stand.

The float depicts a Polynesian sailing vessel whose sails are decorated with the pictures of 60 organ donors, including Isak. The whitecaps on the ocean's waves are created by 1,000 white Akito roses, dedicated in memory of other specific donors.

And "rowing the boat forward" are 24 people who have received organ, eye or tissue donations.

Accompanying the float on foot are another dozen donation recipients carrying flowers. Continue reading

from Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donation Blog℠ http://ift.tt/2hI1HUx