John Akers was a charmer whom everyone liked. His father's death when John was young prompted many struggles for him through his teen years. John's young life ended in 2009 when he was 27. He was known for helping others, so it was no surprised that he wanted to be an organ donor. Thanks to John's generosity, 37 people are now enjoying better lives through his gifts of tissue and corneas. His mother Linda's journey of healing led her down a new path: when a grief companion needed a kidney, Linda stepped forward to be a living donor to her new friend. For John to be honored on this year's float "is a dream come true," she said.

John's Story

John Jefferson Akers, Jr., was born on Veteran's Day in 1981. The nurse handed the newborn to his mom and said "Happy Veteran's Day. Here's your little soldier."

He was a little charmer who had a way of melting just about any heart. Those who knew him said no one could ever stay mad at him. Growing up, John was the boy whom everyone liked. He was always helping others.

John lost his dad at an early age, an event that was extremely difficult for him and caused him many struggles through his teen years. One of his family's proudest moments came when, after four years as a high school dropout, he went back to school, completed his education and received his diploma.

John's young life came to an end April 9, 2009. He left behind four sons and many precious memories. He had made the decision to become an organ donor, and that generous decision resulted in the gift of life for 37 people who now are enjoying better lives. "Our family has forever been changed by John's heroic decision," said mother, Linda Kennedy.

His generosity set an example for others who were close to him. "Several members of our family have joined in the decision to be donors and so have several of our friends," his mother related.

Swallowed by grief, Linda decided to speak out and share her son's story and help raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and the lives it can touch. She learned that one of her grief companions, Lori Wyatt, needed a kidney transplant. Linda volunteered to be tested and was able to donate her kidney to her friend. The two women are now bound together through donation, friendship, and love.

Linda's husband was diagnosed with liver failure earlier this year; he died before he could undergo a transplant. The family's commitment to donation was reinforced even more.

John's floragraph is "a dream come true," Linda said. "Despite all of our sadness, we see the light of new beginnings in the new year."