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KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL | Lynda J. Edwards

Debra Kitts, left, and her husband David Kitts, right, watch as Taylure Foreman, bottom center, helps put the finishing touches on a floral portrait of the Kitts' son Dustin, who became an organ and tissue donor after his death in 2000, at Valley Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. The portrait will be part of a massive Rose Parade float depicting a Polynesian catamaran rowed by people who received organ and tissue transplants.(Photo: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL)
David and Debra Kitts will ride one of the splashiest Rose Parade floats ever -- yes that's saying a lot -- surrounded by Tiki statues and palm trees, perched high atop a massive Polynesian catamaran made entirely of flowers and rowed by 24 people who received organ transplants. The ocean waves will be made from purple and blue blooms topped with foam comprised of 1,000 white Akito roses grown in Hawaii especially for the Donate Life float. Their son's portrait will be on the catamaran's enormous sails along with portraits of 59 other organ donors.

His brown hair and eyes are coffee grounds. His face is composed of various shades of bird seed. More than 150 friends and relatives gathered Sunday at Valley Grove Baptist Church to see his organic portrait and honor the teen who died in 2000 at age 17 but had an impact far beyond his brief years.

"He was an old soul, very wise even as a teenager," Debra said then laughed ruefully. "Older girls would drive him home from dates before he was old enough to get his learner's permit. And his little sister always listened to his opinion about the boys she liked before she would go on a date. He could get me out of a bad mood. He was a hugger." Continue reading
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You have the power to SAVE Lives
We are asking you to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today.
In California:
Nationwide:
To ensure donation happens, please share your decision with your family. At stake is the legacy you wish to leave.


from Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donation Blog℠ http://ift.tt/2gc5WGt

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