2022 Floragraph Honorees
Meet our heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.
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Abigail Robinson was an amazing 11-year-old from Forest Grove, Oregon. Abigail's dream job was to be on tv one day, either as a singer, or through her love of acting. Due to a tragic hit and run accident, Abigail and her little sister, Anna, went to Heaven on Oct. 20, 2013. In the time of deep suffering and shock, Abigail's family choose to donate Abigail's organs. This was an easy decision based on how giving Abigail was to those around her. She was always the first in her family to want to help others. She was able to donate her kidneys, liver, corneas, and tissues. Abigail's family is thrilled that her lifelong dream of being on tv is finally coming true as an honoree on the Donate Life Rose Parade float. -
Annabelle Encila Pendon shares that her son, Alex Encila, was a kind and funny guy. "You would first notice his smile and big dimples," she says. He played guitar, wrote his own songs, and he could easily connect with others through music. His friends were special to him and say he made them feel valued. Alex passed away at the young age of 20. He wasn't a registered donor, but Annabelle felt that organ donation was the right choice for her son who always tried to help others. "I thought, ‘I will see him through others.' Basically, with his gift, he will live on," Annabelle says. Alex's gift of life changed numerous lives through his donation of seven organs including his kidneys, pancreas, liver, heart, lungs, corneas, and tissue. -
Alexander Bush was always unapologetically "Alex." He had an uncanny blend of goofiness and seriousness that naturally attracted people. He was as comfortable holding a conversation with school friends as he was with his parents' work friends, who were always shocked by his charisma and maturity at just 12 years old. A diehard Star Wars fan, he could talk endlessly about any aspect of the fandom. He loved video games, Pokémon, and pranks. He played the flute in the school band and was obsessed with hockey. He played for several house leagues in Las Vegas over the years as a goalie—just like his hero, Marc-André Fleury. Upon his sudden death, Alex donated his kidneys, heart, liver, corneas, and more than 300 grafts were created from his bones and tissue. -
AJ Perrelli's love of the arts began when he was four. He loved anything entertainment. AJ's goal was to be a stage and screen professional and at 26, his hard work and dedication was paying off. Ironically, the "call" for his Broadway debut came as AJ laid in the hospital. AJ saved three lives with the donation of his heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. Two people received the gift of sight. His sister Kitty introduced the family to the word sillage, meaning wake. "When we see AJ's son or we think of the families whose lives have changed because of AJ's organ donations, that is AJ's sillage. When someone registers as a donor, or when the arts community comes together to encourage organ donor awareness, that is AJ's sillage." -
Christopher Hutson Jr., affectionally called "Little Chris," was the first born of three boys. Little Chris showed his little brothers how to be leaders and to be respectful of all living creatures. He loved his family and looked forward to spring and summer vacations on the beach. Little Chris also loved playing basketball with his brothers, and spending time with his family. He graduated a semester early from high school, was working with his mom as a customer service representative and was enrolled in college to become a computer technician. Chris's life was tragically ended by an enraged driver just two weeks after his 19th birthday. Four months before his untimely death, Chris registered as an organ donor, which allowed him to save the lives of seven others. -
Eileen Angelina Limon was born on April 13, 1961, and was a loving daughter, sister, and mother. Her proudest moments were the days her grandchildren were born. She was deeply passionate about her faith and was an active church member. Eileen was genuinely kind and unselfishly devoted to the welfare of others. So, it was no surprise when she expressed that she wanted to help others upon her death if she had the opportunity. Eileen had registered herself as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Eileen was a champion for donation until her unexpected passing in August of 2019 due to a pulmonary embolus. Eileen provided a light in the darkness for two special people who received her corneas and because of her generosity others can see clearly again. -
Elizabeth "Lizzy" May Hammond was born in Reno, November 2, 2009, to loving parents Wendy and Mitchell Hammond, Sr. Lizzy was an amazing kid, and a friend to everyone she met, giving encouragement, support, and unwavering love. She had a way of communicating with all generations, and was fearless to chat with seniors, adults, and kids. She volunteered for the local Food Bank, military organizations, Operation Backpack, Operation Easter Basket and Shopping with the Sheriff. She served food at homeless shelters, held bake sales, and created soldier care packages. Lizzy volunteered for Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths at the Fernley Veteran's Cemetery, where she is now buried. Lizzy's parents donated Lizzy's precious gift of life to benefit others, encouraging Lizzy's legacy of a giving spirit. -
Elizabeth (Liz) Hartman spent her life serving others. Whether she was working as a chef, caring for her family and friends, helping those in need around her, or volunteering at her church, she was always serving. Liz was kind, selfless and loving. Liz loved God deeply and was not afraid to share His love with everyone around her. She was the most encouraging person and was always the first to offer help. She carried such strength in her tiny body - enough to carry everyone around her. When she hugged you, you really knew, she loved you. Her final act of giving was with her donation of life, to those in need of organs or tissues. What a fitting tribute to someone who spent her life helping others. -
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 a registered 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. -
Gabriela Hernandez was an amazing daughter and sister. The oldest of 5, she always cared for her three younger brothers and little sister. Hardworking and family-oriented, Gabriela provided support and help to her mom and siblings, working two jobs and assisting her siblings with their homework. Gabriela also enjoyed playing soccer and watching soccer matches with her family. She loved dancing to both Latin and pop music. At the short age of 24, Gabriela was a passenger of her friend's car when they were involved in a 6-car crashed, caused by a drunk driver. Upon her sudden death, she was able to restore sight to two people as a cornea donor. Her mom and siblings honor Gabriela's memory by participating in OneLegacy's Donate Life Run/Walk and other remembrance events. -
Dr. Jamila Elisa Irons-Johnson was a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, psychologist and friend to many. She wasn't the loudest person in the room but her gorgeous presence was a force to be reckoned with. She was an overachiever that had a protective, loving energy. She went to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where she obtained a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. Jamila served as the Director of Mental Health Services for the Dorothy B. Hersh Child Protection Center at Saint Peter's Hospital. Dr. Irons-Johnson advocated for and evaluated abused children and assessed their families. Even after her death she continued to save lives by donating her heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. While her life was cut short, her fierce spirit lives on forever. -
Jenaé McNichols, a sophomore at Lakewood High School in Hebron, Ohio, was involved in student council, on the cheerleading squad, was a member of the band, in the drama program and spent her lunches mentoring a grade school student who needed extra help with her homework. On top of all these commitments, she was a dancer - it was her true passion. She dedicated time after school to teach and take dance lessons. Her dream was to graduate from high school and begin a dance career. Tragically, she was involved in an accident while on her way to teach a dance class. She saved the lives of three people by donating her kidneys and liver. She gave the gift of sight and also helped hundreds of people through tissue donation. -
John Clarke Perry was a wonderful son, comforting brother to his twin sister Ella, and deeply loved by his big sister Emarie, and little sister and namesake, Evie Clarke. He was perfect, happy, and healthy. When he was 6 months old, he became ill and was diagnosed with a brain bleed. After multiple surgeries, it was determined that he would not survive. The family was then approached about organ donation and without hesitation, his parents said “YES!” John’s precious, perfect heart went to Davis Boswell. Davis is now able to do all the things a 6-year-old boy should be able to do. The Perry and Boswells even travel in the summer together for vacations. John Clarke’s family continues to share his story and his legacy through the John Clarke Perry Foundation. -
Julia Bruno's motto was "Always be the better person." She was a compassionate and kind young lady, helping her friends and checking up on them to see if they were doing ok. Julia was a good student, played soccer most of her life and played basketball in middle school. She made a difference in the world with her generous personality; she worked at her local YMCA as a pre-school caregiver, worked with disabled kids in summer camp and Unified Sports in high school, and every summer attended Steubenville Bible Camp. She volunteered at the soup kitchen and her local church. Julia died in September of 2019, just eight days shy of her 18th birthday. She saved five lives and her family is still in touch with her heart recipient. -
Justin will always be remembered for his infectious smile and amazing personality. Always up for a round of golf, game of cards, meeting friends for a beer or spending time with his wife and dog children; Brady and Deuce. Born and raised in the Quad Cities, Justin served as a medic in the U.S. Army National Guard and toured in Iraq. In 2008, he received his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and in the same year married his wife, Kate. At the age of 30, Justin Lockett passed away from a traumatic brain injury. Through the coordination of the Iowa Donor Network, Justin saved the lives of five strangers with his lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys. As a tissue donor, Justin improved the lives of another 300+ people. -
"You don't know me, but I knew Keegan," is a phrase Keegan's family hears often. A young man with a legacy so incredible, it pours across the nation like that of a winter sunset. He was larger-than-life with a contagious smile. Keegan never knew a stranger, giving as much kindness to those he just met as those he knew for years. Keegan was a football player at both Dorman High School and Chapman High School and a passionate Clemson Tiger fan. After suffering from a brain infection caused by a rare bacterium, Keegan became the hero he was always meant to be at 17, saving four lives by donating five organs. To honor his legacy and his dedication to the game, Keegan's family created the Keegan Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund. -
Known for his boisterous laugh and awesome smile, you would never guess the struggles Kenneth (Cody) Hodawanus faced daily. School was challenging for him. While reading and writing were extremely difficult, his mechanical and carpentry skills were exemplary. When he was 7, Cody took apart the motor of a vacuum to reassemble it just to see if he could, and he did! In high school, Cody spent 2 years building the most beautiful grandfather clock for his mother. His senior year, the clock won an award at the Riverside County Industrial Education Expo. After losing his life in a motorcycle accident, Cody's parents learned he was a registered organ donor. His example of generosity to strangers inspired them to register as donors as well. -
Killian Benjamin Wise was more than just the "baby organ donor" at Northridge Hospital. He was the youngest brother to Aiden and Lorelai. Killian loved cows and playing outside with his big brother and sister. His favorite toy was a musical cow and barn for the car seat that he took everywhere. His older brother Aiden would "deploy the cow" whenever Killian had to be in the car seat, which he did not like. Killian was able to donate his heart, kidneys, and liver. "We find comfort in knowing these recipients' families did not have to suffer the devastation of losing their loved one," his mother, Alexandra, says, "We plant sunflowers for him and his recipients every year and hope Killian's recipients are doing well." -
Kimber Louise Palma lived by the motto, "Treat others the way you want to be treated." She is remembered as the girl who always greeted them with the warmest smile. Kimber started every day with a cheer to ensure her day was a ten. She loved school, and her leadership role as Vice President. She dazzled everyone with her hula hoop skills in the annual talent show. During her 13 years she developed passions around helping animals and the elderly. Specifically, her Grandma "Bobbie Boo Boo." After Kimber and her grandma died suddenly after a fatal car accident, Kimber's memory lives on in the lives she touched by being a heroic tissue donor, as well as in the hearts and lives of all the family and friends who love her. -
Looking for the good in others came naturally to Levell Kevin Pace. "Armed with a ready smile, Levell," recalls his wife, Melissa, "would give you the last five dollars out of his wallet if you needed it." This spirit of giving carried over into everything he did, from serving his community as a police officer to signing up as an organ and tissue donor. Levell, who had diabetes and ailing kidneys, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 34 while waiting on a lifesaving kidney transplant. His legacy lives on through those he helped as a tissue donor and through Melissa, a longtime volunteer advocate for Donate Life Indiana and Indiana Donor Network. Her service, she says, is the best gift she can give her husband. -
The Shnurman's daughter, Lilah, was born August 29, 2018. They were able to take Lilah home and she lived for 9 days. Her days were spent being held and loved by family and friends. Her big brother, Abel, was constantly kissing, hugging, and holding her. All she knew in her short lifetime was love and laughter. Lilah passed away September 7, 2018, and donated her heart valves for future transplant. Her lungs were donated for research at the University of Iowa. Infant heart valves are extremely rare and very much in need. Organs such as lungs for research are critical to curing diseases, like cystic fibrosis. Her parents are honored to share Lilah's story and the impact the gift of donation can be for the donor family. -
Linda Marie Couch was the beloved and only daughter of Diana and Larry Couch. As a freshman at Gateway High School in Kissimmee, Florida, she was cherished amongst her friends as the outgoing, social butterfly, with a contagious laugh and sweet smile. She loved music of all kinds and enjoyed the outdoors and being amongst nature. While attending a football game, Linda was hit by a car while crossing a busy intersection by her high school. After the accident, Linda's friends advocated to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection, and achieved a change in state laws. Linda's parents were life-long advocates for donation and spoke about their decision to donate as a family. Linda's donation of organs and corneas provided the gift of life and sight to four recipients. -
Logan’s smile could light up a room and make you want to smile back. His smile was a window to his personality. Logan was the most loving, giving and kindhearted person. He would do anything for anyone. With his 6’ 3” height and broad shoulders, his hugs were like a blanket woven together with love and protection. He had a strong work ethic and he enjoyed being outdoors on his free time, especially hunting and fishing. Logan’s proudest moments were when he became a daddy. He always spoke with pride, love and devotion about his sons Anthony and Liam. After his untimely death, Logan became a cornea and tissue donor, improving the lives of 228 people. Being a donor was Logan’s last act of kindness. -
Nicholas Paquette, known as "Sensei Nick" at his dojo, was a genuine and loyal young man who was beloved by all who knew him. His humor, kindness, and giving nature had a way of drawing everyone around him close. While typically a man of few words and known for deadpan expressions or funny faces on camera, Nick was just as famous for making you laugh until your sides hurt. He was also famous for his radiant smile. "Even though the pain of losing Nicholas remains," his mother Lori says, "we find comfort in knowing his life had such a positive impact on so many. Nick's memory will always bring a smile to those who knew him." Nicholas' liver recipient, Rene Sorrentino, will be honored on the float as a rider. -
Paul Flanders made sure that tens of thousands of people on the North Shore of Massachusetts had the news delivered to their front step, every week. Paul loved every aspect of building the weeklies people would look forward to reading with their morning cup of coffee. Paul's wife, Jan, and their beloved tuxedo cat, Lester, were always by his side. Lester was especially close to Paul, a relationship which may have been influenced by his inability to deny Lester's requests for treats. Paul loved life. His donated tissues included corneas, skin, soft and bone tissues. Paul's gift has also helped patients suffering from nerve damage through the gift of nerve tissue donation. He would be humbled and overjoyed by the impact he continues to make on so many lives. -
A son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend, husband, and father; Pedro immediately filled a room with his presence. Pedro made friends with individuals from all walks of life, moving from his childhood home in Elizabeth, NJ to Matawan, Linden and most recently Warren, NJ. His willingness to be there for anyone, anywhere, at any time was one of his strongest attributes and one of the reasons he was so loved. He always offered help to others, saying, "People that are looking for help shouldn't be turned away." His family did not know he was an organ and tissue donor, but they were not surprised. His wife, Sandra, influenced by his last, selfless act, registered to be an organ donor herself, convinced that we can change lives by becoming a donor. -
Growing up, Rachel's life was filled with many interests and activities. She was a cheerleader, played softball and volleyball, tutored math, enjoyed painting and rescuing animals. But it was Rachel's love for the world of academia that would be the driving force for most of her decisions and the direction her life would take. Only months before the accident that took her life, she registered as an organ donor and mentioned it to her mother. In February of 2017, Rachel Dark saved lives, provided sight, and gave hope to numerous people. Rachel's liver recipient has become a close family friend and together they share their story to encourage organ donation. Perhaps most fitting for Rachel's legacy, her heart went to save the life of a college professor. -
Robert “Robby” Lyle Barksdale, Jr. was a charismatic, charming, talented, hardworking, and family-oriented young man. With his bright smile and contagious laugh, he was the life of the party. If he saw someone eating lunch alone, he would sit down next to them. After graduating from high school, Robby enlisted in the U.S. Navy. At boot camp, he trained as a Damage Controlman. After training, Robby was assigned to USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser which is homeported in San Diego. Robby made a huge contribution to his unit and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. He was fearless, loyal, and courageous. Even in death, Robby kept giving. He became an organ donor hero when his heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and pancreas saved the lives of five people. -
Ryan Scott Cart was a fun loving, well rounded 13-year-old. Ryan loved all sports and participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He also enjoyed horseback riding and working on the crawfish farm with his grandfather. Ryan belonged to the 4-H club at school and raised chickens, rabbits, and hogs for agriculture shows. Ryan, at such a young age, made a huge impact on his classmates and his community. Ryan’s gift started a ripple effect in his small town and numerous others have become donors or been impacted by donation. His family have dedicated a rose in memory of Travis Smith (13), Ryan's friend, who died with him that day and was an organ, tissue and eye donor as well. They were two boys just living the country boy life. -
Samuel Lee Becker is forever a giver. Sam gave freely and frequently and had every intention of making the world a better place for everyone. Sam gave his time, money, smile, humor, compassion, empathy, and ultimately, himself. Even as a young person he was passionate about how one could continue to help others even in death. You see, when Sam was in middle school, he had written a paper about the impact of organ donation. In the years since his passing his family has learned that through bone and tissue donation, a part of Samuel Lee Becker lives on in 109 recipients. -
Shelby Johnson had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. At every opportunity, she gracefully made friends as she genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were. When Shelby turned 16 and passed her driver's license exam, her mom, Dana, drove her to the Tag Agency. During this drive, Dana explained to Shelby that she would be asked if she wanted to be an organ donor. Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby's life. Shelby's family knew her wishes, and because of that, there was no hesitation in fulfilling them. Through Shelby's death, the gift of life was offered to four others. One short conversation about donation made life possible for others waiting on a lifesaving organ transplant. -
Siwutha "Sam" Meas was born in 1961 in Cambodia and in the 1970's she migrated to the United States and settled in Texas, where she met her husband, Khandy. They married and had three children, working to achieve their American dream and ensure their children had everything they needed to succeed. Siwutha's children formed families of their own, and she became a grandmother. She was always there to support her grandchildren during milestones in their lives. On July 19, 2020, Siwutha became an organ donor, giving the gift of life to save others. Her daughter explained how the decision to donate was rather simple to make, "We knew that was what she would have wanted. She was a giving and loving person. Her heart was bigger than her body." -
Stephen Jackson Steiner was the first: the first son to his parents, first grandchild, and first great-grandchild. He loved his family. Stephen was kind and generous. He was complex and wild. His smile would light up a room. In August 2009, Stephen was in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in brain damage. Doctors worked hard to save his life, but his injuries were too severe, and his family made the painful decision to take him off life support. Stephen was 25 years old. Stephen saved lives by donating his kidneys and liver. Thanks to his gifts, Stephen's donors were able to heal, spend time with their loved ones and grow older. "That is an incredible gift to us, Stephen's family, who lost him too soon," his mother says. -
Tracy Lee Graves was 54 when he donated his corneas so others could see the people and things they loved. This act of compassion defines him so well. Tracy loved camping, fishing, and body surfing. Tracy loved the people in his life; he was a son, brother, mentor, and friend. In addition to his 5 children, he was a father-figure to his niece and nephew, not holding back when they needed a lecture or a hug. His sense of responsibility and caring didn't stop with bloodlines however, as Tracy took many of his workers under his wing, often putting others before himself. He loved his friends, he loved his dog, and he loved his family. "He is missed, but we know he is always with us," his wife Kristen asserts. -
Tyler Spann was a talented athlete, known for being great at almost any sport. He was over 6 feet tall, and his body was all muscle. He was as beautiful inside as he was outside. Tyler tragically lost his life in a swimming accident on June 19, 2018, in Florida, while vacationing with his parents. He was only 15 years old when he was caught in a riptide and disappeared. His parents made the selfless decision to help others by donating Tyler's tissue. Tyler's parents created the Tyler Spann Scholarship Foundation to provide scholarships for Tyler's classmates and help with family expenses. Through his foundation and his gifts, Tyler has saved lives, showed kindness, and left an incredible legacy. His parents Kimmy and Angela Spann are so proud of him.