In 2000, Josie Flores was devastated by the death of her mother, Ana Maria Flores, from a brain aneurysm. Her decision to donate organs led to a career path in the donation and transplant field. “As a donor family, you may lose them in body but never in spirit,” she affirms. “Somewhere in this world their heart still beats, their eyes still see and they still live on.”

Josie & Ana's Story

In 2000, 23-year-old Josie Flores faced a decision that would change her life. Her mother, Ana Maria Flores, had suffered a brain aneurysm and had surgery, but it proved unsuccessful. “I then heard the words I never thought I would hear: ‘There is nothing more that we can do. We did what we could to save her and because of this you will have some decisions to make,’” said Josie. Among these decisions was organ and tissue donation.

“At 23, your decisions are about life, family, career,” said Josie, whose father had passed away five years earlier. “My mother was my best friend, and we had never been apart. We had never discussed her death because as it is for many, it was scary. My mother was especially uncomfortable talking about this.”

As an only child, Josie felt alone and helpless, but she found comfort, information and perspective by talking to one particular ICU nurse. “She was truly a godsend. When you are in this type of situation, you really need someone like her to be by your side every step of the way.” Josie also met with the organ procurement representatives from the University of Miami’s Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, who thoroughly explained the donation process. “Although it was a difficult moment, I realize how important it was.”

Josie made the decision to donate her mother’s organs. But her involvement in organ donation didn’t stop there. She became an administrative secretary for the transplant doctors at the University of Miami, and recently joined Life Alliance as a donor family & community service coordinator. Every day, she learns more about how organ donation changes lives and how donors are able to provide life, giving the recipients hope and more time with their families.

“As a donor family, you may lose them in body but never in spirit, and somewhere in this world their heart still beats, their eyes still see and they still live on,” she affirmed. “Their memory is never lost, and because of events like the Rose Parade, the world sees that they gave the gift of life and that alone makes it all worthwhile.”