2021 Floragraph Honorees
Meet our heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.
-
Adrian told his mother he wanted to be an organ donor in November of 2013. Two months later, he developed flu like symptoms and tragically passed away to meningitis at 22 years old. Adrian was able to donate his lungs, liver and kidneys to three people. Through his decision, Adrian has inspired his family and friends to become registered organ donors. His parents have met and maintain a close relationship with his double lung recipient. Thoughtful, outgoing, passionate, charismatic and with an enthusiasm for life that shined through everything he did, he became the youngest in his company to achieve top seller at 20 years old. He aspired to pursue a career in chemical engineering and was an avid gardener who loved to cook with home-grown vegetables. Adrian will be remembered for his contagious smile and will continue to smile knowing that he was able to help others. -
Alec was quite a character and always lit up an event with his goofy antics. His joys in life included camping, fishing, hiking, exploring, skiing, watching movies, playing video games and board games. Alec was a foodie and at one point created his own sushi roll! His favorites were still the classics – mainly Kraft macaroni and cheese or bean and cheese burritos, which he considered high-end cuisine. His favorite color was green. Above all, Alec was a true and loyal friend. Many say the gift of donation is more than just a physical transfer and that something else comes with it. Alec's donated tissues have healed at least 85 different people. If any of his recipients start suddenly wearing green and craving Kraft mac and cheese, we'll know why. -
Alyssa Jamie Galvan had charisma, courage, and laughter that filled her family's days with happiness that will always be cherished. Either by raising money through cooking meals for her local football booster club or becoming an avid blood donor, Alyssa was devoted to selflessly helping others. She maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school and attended California State University of Fullerton on a scholarship in summer of 2013. Her aunt, OneLegacy Ambassador Veronica Cosme, and 4 others were saved by the direct donation of her organs. She believed that "…I can impact the lives of people I may or may never get the chance to meet. Donating Life is something I can and want to do for the rest of my life." -
Andrea Ann Doyens was born in Reed City, MI. She loved the beach and raised her kids there. Andrea was a cheerleader in high school and college, played soccer, loved to sing, possessed an unwavering faith in the Lord and had many friends. By all measures, hers was both a normal and a spectacular life, but the true measure of a life is the impact it leaves, and Andrea's life left one that will reverberate through the lives of the ones she left behind; as well as the lives touched by her donation. Andrea was 100% committed to organ and tissue donation, and she would always share this with her family. Thanks to her gifts, she positively impacted 78 lives through organ and tissue donation. -
Caroline Nicole Carran left her sparkle all over Las Vegas, where she was born and raised. Even as a baby, Caroline delighted in making people laugh. She was witty, feisty, kind, and a champion snuggler. She loved building forts with Dad, helping Mom in the kitchen, and chasing her dogs around the house with her 2-year-old brother Collin. In her final moments, Caroline's family celebrated her phenomenal capacity to love. On the way to donate organs to others in need of miracles, she was carried through a tunnel of fairy wands waving and bubbles blown by staff and patients in the pediatric intensive care unit. Her parents, Ryan and Chrissy, feel so honored that their sweet Caroline's memory lives on through the gift organ donation. -
Chantal Yvette Martinez-Murray was born on January 3, 1978 and tragically passed away on January 23, 2017. During her 39 years, she lived every day to the fullest. Her love for life, food, friends, traveling, entertaining and family was infectious. Her unique laugh, ability to talk straight, and endless dance parties left too many memories to share, and she will live on forever in her loved ones' hearts. The birth of her daughter Hanah was the proudest moment of her life. The day Chantal passed away her family found out she was an organ donor. Finding this out brought a ray of light to a very dark time in their lives. Chantal was able to donate both of her kidneys, tissues, liver, lungs, and heart. -
When David got his Ohio driver's license at the age of 16, he signed up to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. David knew the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and had a personal reason for signing up. His grandfather was blind, and David knew one day he could help someone see again through cornea donation. On August 7,2006, David was on his way home from work, when his vehicle hydro-planed, and he lost control of his car. David sustained severe injuries and was taken to a trauma center but did not survive. On that day, he became a tissue donor. David's decision to be a donor touched many lives. His final gift saved and enhanced the lives of over 100 individuals, including twins burned in a fire, a person who avoided amputation, injured athletes, and patients suffering from severe back pain. -
Francine Salazar was, and still is, a beautiful and generous soul. Her mother, Hanah, is so grateful and proud to be her mother. Francine was 10 years old when she became an organ donor, donating her heart, pancreas, and both kidneys. She was a fun-loving child with a warm, beautiful smile. Heeding their daughter's wishes that came to them in gentle whispers from heaven above, her parents knew that donating Francine's organs would save a heartbroken family from experiencing the same sadness they endure daily. Her spirit lives on in her family because their love for her transcends all human frailty and understanding. Francine's donation has helped her family during their grieving process. -
The family of Francis "Frank" James Cox is proud to honor his life of service and devotion to helping others. He grew up in Butte, Montana, served in the Navy, married his wife, Bettie, and received a college degree in Accounting and Business Management. Frank enjoyed camping and spending time in his motorhome. He loved his family and for over 20 years he served as a volunteer at Shriner's Hospitals for Children, being part of El Kalah Shrine Clown Unit, where he was lovingly known as "Potsy." His children knew he was registered as an organ and tissue donor, and they know he would be very pleased to know that his wish to help others continued after his death. Frank donated his corneas and skin, enhancing the lives of many. -
Jacob Matthew Thompson had a smile that would light up the universe. He grew up in Denver with his three siblings, including a twin sister. He loved the Colorado mountains and was obsessed with snowboarding. He also had a passion to help others. He always found great joy in making someone's day even just a little better. His family had friends who had received the gift of life, so there were regular conversations about donation and transplantation in their house. Jake often said, "Well, when I am gone, my organs will not be of use to me. Someone should get some good use out of them!" Jake's final act of kindness was giving the gift of life to four others. -
Jimmy was only 24 years old when he passed away suddenly. He always had a great work ethic; from the age of fourteen, he worked hard at the family business of a sub shop and catering. Many customers shared that Jimmy would help them even after business hours, whether it be changing their tire or giving them a ride home. He was that kind of guy; never looking for attention or thanks, just helping someone out because it was the right thing to do. It was natural that Jimmy continued to help others upon his death through the donation of organs, tissues, and corneas. His kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart allowed five recipients to live longer lives, while his corneas and tissues helped many others. -
Some desire to help themselves, others focus on their loved ones, and some desire to help everyone. The Chairez's son was an example of the latter. As a boy, Joe dreamed of being a police officer, who would bravely run into danger to protect the innocent. He grew to become the kind of man that would help his classmates when they struggled. He watched over them, protected them, and helped them when they needed him. Joe collapsed from an aneurism while making an arrest. He was medically brain dead and his parents said "YES" to donation after remembering Joe had told them that he wanted to register as a donor. Thanks to this decision, Joe saved four people's lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation. -
Kolby Crum always cared about others. He was never into sports, but he wanted to be on a team, joining cross-country. Kolby finished in the top 2 percent of athletes in the 2019 season. Not only did he work hard – he also ran alongside others to encourage them. Kolby aspired to help others in life and had planned to attend college to study psychology. When he was getting his driver's license, Kolby registered as an organ donor. Just months later, Kolby and his cross-country teammates were struck by a vehicle driving more than 80 miles per hour in a school zone. After the incident and all measures to save Kolby's life had been explored, Kolby's parents supported his final wish to give to others by donating his organs and carrying on his legacy. -
Not long ago, in a galaxy near San Diego, Leia Parker came into the universe. Her Force Awakened and she grew into a happy and bright little girl. Like the Star Wars character she was named after, 2-year-old Leia was a fearless Rebel Princess and General of the Resistance. She ruled the Parker home with joyous laughter and sassiness. Always marching to her own beat, Leia rebelled against the empire and became commander of her parents and older sisters. On Star Wars Day in 2019, this Rebel General bravely began her last battle. After her starship left the earth, Leia saved 3 lives as an organ donor. Her heart is now beating in a young child and her liver is keeping a toddler alive. Her kidneys rescued a patient who hadd spent 8 years on the waiting list and her corneas gave sight to two young women. -
Mariee Mena was the daughter of two proud parents, a loving sister, and a caring cousin. As a child with plenty of energy and with a family who enjoyed sports, she started playing softball. By the time she reached high school, Mariee was participating in four sports. Her performance and awards at Escondido High School were so impressive that she earned a scholarship for the University of Oklahoma. Mariee enjoyed her four years on the OU Softball Team so much that she decided to become a softball coach like her dad. She also became a tutor and a teaching assistant. It was in Oklahoma that Mariee was involved in a motorcycle accident. She would not recover from her injuries, and she became an organ donor, saving lives through her gift. -
Mikhaill Stewart was a Navy veteran, hockey player, and motorcycle enthusiast, but his best role in life was that of dad to daughter Henley and son Maverick. Mikhaill's top priority was spending time with his wife and children and, even after long and exhausting days at work, he would devote time to enjoy one-on-one hockey lessons with Maverick or motorcycle rides with Henley. In November 2018, Mikhaill was struck by a deer while riding his motorcycle to work the night shift at the Hanford Nuclear Site near his home in Richland, Washington. Though he was wearing a helmet and was not speeding, trauma from the accident was severe and Mikhaill died on November 7, 2018. His donated organs and tissues included kidneys, heart valves, corneas, skin, soft tissues and nerve tissues. -
Samuel Warren Weaver was a high school environmental science and biology teacher in Casper, Wyoming, and known throughout the community for his love of Casper Mountain and dedication to helping others. An avid volunteer, Sam spent more than 50 years with the National Ski Patrol, was the president of the Casper Mountain Fire Department board and started the Casper Mountain Pine Beetle Association. He loved giving back to the community and gave much of his energy to the protection and conservation of Wyoming's amazing resources. Sam's wife Laurie is extremely proud of her husband's gift. She and her family were able to find peace in knowing others can enjoy life today, thanks to Sam. -
Shawn was loved for her unique self. She was a child of God, filled with His love and compassion. She adopted strays and sought to protect the smallest of critters. Shawn loved her family and friends and had a genuine concern for everyone's happiness. She loved life and laughed often! Shawn was high spirited and outspoken. She had a "fix" on who she was and enjoyed every moment. She radiated an inner light that touched everyone. Shawn was a giver. Her final act, before leaving this earth, was an ultimate act of love. She gave the precious Gift of Life to six people, and the Gift of Sight to two others, allowing the recipients more time with their families. -
Taylor's family described him as "an old soul gentleman and a true cowboy who loved to work with horses." As a little boy he grew up going to his great-grandparents 125-year-old farm. It was the homeplace where his family gathered on the weekends. He had such a passion for animals and the outdoors. Taylor loved sunrises and sunsets. These were common across the fields of the farm and Taylor would always stop what he was doing to breathe in the beauty. He often shared pictures of the sunsets on social media and now his friends say they never look at a sunset without thinking of Taylor. A decision made by Taylor when he received his driver's license gave his family hope; hope for life after death through organ and tissue donation. Taylor saved four lives through organ donation and countless others through tissue donation. -
It was appropriate that Thomas John Vanderhorst was born on Valentine's Day. He had a large heart and gave continuously throughout his life. Thomas was a diesel mechanic by trade, and he found much pleasure in using his extremely gifted hands: building homes, fixing heavy equipment, or making simple repairs for his family and others, even strangers. On October 5, 2004, Thomas, 47, died from complications following an aortic valve replacement. In keeping with his giving nature, he became a donor and gifted his organs, tissue and eyes. "It's unknown to us how many lives Thomas has touched and continues to impact by this incredible gift he gave," said his wife. "However, we do know the very grateful person who received the only kidney Tom was born with… With the assistance of OneLegacy, we met Bill, the wonderful recipient of Tom's kidney." -
Xavier was vibrant, easy going, and lovable. His 13 months on earth touched everyone that came into contact with him. His mom was easily his best friend; you wouldn't see him without seeing her close by. She loved him so easily and so uninhibitedly. With the help of OneLegacy and Donate Life California, the decision to encourage others has been met through his donation of his liver, lungs, pancreas, both kidneys and small intestine. The family has had so many chances to celebrate his life and his legacy. They also have the opportunity to share their story and encourage others to make the decision to donate life. Xavier's mom never thought in a million years she would become an organ donor, but she has seen first-hand how donation can affect so many lives.