2024 Floragraph Honorees
Meet our heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.
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Alanya Echols made a mark on the world and continued her legacy as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. At California State University, Alanya became "Lady Say," a radio host on the station KDHR. She showed her affection for her mother publicly and often, dedicating an entire Mother's Day show to her mother, Marilyn. After graduating from CSU in communications, Alanya became an accomplished poet, author, actress, teacher, and artist. She reserved time for her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews. Alanya believed in mentorship, relying on her own mentors, and supporting mentees. It shocked her entire community when the day after her twenty-eighth birthday, Alanya took her own life. Alanya dropped the mic, but her mother picked it up. Out of her grief, Marilyn Echols created a program that provides emotional support and resources for people in crisis. She named the program Lullabies for the Soul, the title of a collection of poetry written by Alanya. -
Alexander Granados embodied a spirit of passion, hard work, and love. His dedication to his community, his intelligence, and his joyous nature made him a remarkable individual. Alexander's love for his children was immeasurable, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Alexander was a natural jokester with his witty remarks and loved bringing smiles to people's faces. A skilled player, Alexander found delight in playing poker and saw it as an opportunity to connect with others. One of Alexander's favorite pastimes was riding scooters in Downtown LA. Exploring the vibrant city streets on his scooter gave him a sense of freedom and excitement. He admired the energy and diversity that made Los Angeles unique, embracing the city he called home. His impact on those who knew him will always be remembered, and his legacy will inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Alexander was an organ and tissue donor, and he saved many lives with his gifts. -
Alicia Grauvogel-MacAleese always wanted to help others. She co-founded a business supporting students with behavior problems. Despite the richness of her personal life and professional contributions, she would have listed her greatest accomplishment as being a mother to her two children. Before she died from cancer at age forty-one, she told her family members she would like to contribute posthumously to others. She wanted her clothing to be donated to local women's shelters, her hair to help make wigs and any viable organs or tissues to be used. In the late evening on the day she died, Nevada Donor Network called to obtain information on her corneas, which they believed would be viable. It was a shock as there was an assumption that her metastasized cancer would not allow her to donate. Both corneas were transplanted for two waiting individuals. Alicia would have been proud to know that her donation made a difference in the lives of others. -
Anthony Hidalgo was a wonderful son. At 20 years old, he was a selfless person, always putting others' needs before his. He was friendly and happy, always wearing a big smile on his face. He enjoyed cracking jokes. Anthony loved skateboarding and he had a passion for his community. He enjoyed playing videogames with his friends; he had a talent for gaming ever since he was a little boy. Sadly, on April 02, 2020, he passed away due to cardiac arrest. His death was unexpected. He left behind a beautiful daughter whom he was never able to meet, because she was born months after his death. It brings joy to his family to know that Anthony lives on in others through his cornea and tissue donations. Anthony was able to help people, even at the end of his life. Anthony's mom is now a OneLegacy Ambassador, volunteering her time to inspire local communities to Donate Life. -
Cary Sauve-Brown possessed an innate happiness that radiated from day one. Curiosity fueled his rapid learning, making him eager to explore the world around him. His adoration for his older brother and sister was evident, and his entertaining nature endeared him to everyone who spent time with him. Cary's thirst for knowledge was insatiable as he delved into various interests with remarkable ease. He became a fishing expert after just one attempt. His prowess in Lego building and superhero video games amazed those around him. He started kindergarten in August 2018, shortly before his baby brother's arrival. Demonstrating remarkable gentleness and care, Cary embraced his role as an older sibling. On December 11, 2018, Cary was hit by a car. Cary's life couldn't be sustained, leading his family to make the selfless decision to donate. Cary became the superhero he had admired when his kidneys saved the lives of two men, and his heart went to a little boy. -
Clarke Dani Reese never met a camera she didn't like. Dani danced, sang, and acted. She was an honor student, a Girl Scout, and a friend to everyone. Dani became suddenly ill at thirteen years old while preparing for a school choral performance. Her family learned that she had a blood clot in her lungs and a blood disease called DIC, which caused a brain bleed and resulted in brain death. Knowing the loving and giving person she was, her parents knew she would have said "yes" to organ and tissue donation. Dani's family didn't want to know about her recipients; just being able to donate was enough for them. They placed baskets of donation bracelets at her funeral for all the kids that attended, and a certificate stating that she was a donor. Classmates remember Dani fondly and occasionally still wear the donor bracelets. Dani's gifts in life and death continue to make a difference in her community. -
As a toddler, Dakota Sams was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to a genetic disease. Three weeks before his 4th birthday, Dakota received the gift of life through organ donation. He enjoyed hunting, farming, playing video games, and being with his nephew, who was also his best friend. His greatest accomplishment in life was the birth of his daughter. Dakota also possessed a passion for welding, and to this day, monthly fundraisers are held to provide scholarships in Dakota's name for welding students. Dakota remembered his donor annually on his transplant anniversary by releasing balloons with handwritten notes attached. He had a tattoo on his arm as a tribute to donation with the words "This piece of me I give to you" above it. Dakota restored sight to two people and saved three lives through heart valve donations. Dakota completed the circle of life at age 21, proudly fulfilling his statement: "This piece of me I give to you." -
Deputy Dom Calata was born into a proud military family in 1986, in Nuremberg, Germany, where his father was stationed. When Dom's father retired, the family made the Pacific Northwest their home. Dom followed in his father's footsteps and was commissioned into the US Army after completing the ROTC program in college. Before Dom graduated, he was fortunate to meet Erin, his future wife. They bonded through the university's theology requirement. They enjoyed the mountains, paddleboarding, and participating in pub trivia games. Dom also played the guitar and sang in their church choir. When their son Dylan was born, the experience of fatherhood allowed him to relax, enjoy downtime and snuggle. Dom dedicated his life to serving others as a sheriff's deputy. When he tragically lost his life in the line of duty, Erin knew that he was a registered donor. Dom saved four lives, restored sight to two people, and healed dozens more through organ and tissue donation. -
Dominic Joseph "DJ" Ogden had the biggest heart and followed it without hesitation. His passions in life were numerous: baseball, family, and music. But his greatest joy was the birth of his son, Cadrien. As brilliant as his light shone, DJ often hid the things he wrestled with from those who loved him most. On November 1, 2020, DJ died by suicide at twenty-five. He had registered as a donor at the DMV as a teenager. DJ's mom, Milisa Tyler, has been employed with Iowa Donor Network since 2015 and was very familiar with donation. DJ saved four lives with his liver, heart, and kidneys. DJ's gift of skin has been used to create eight transplant grafts to aid in breast reconstruction surgery post-mastectomy, abdominal wall repair, and ear, nose, and throat surgeries, enhancing many lives. Just as he did in life, in his death, he chose to give all he could to others. -
Enrique Rivas deeply loved nature and cherished every moment of his existence. Ricky, as he was affectionately known, had a zest for life with a profound appreciation for music. Ricky worked at Hope of The Valley Rescue Mission. He played his guitar in his free time and dropped off meals for the unhoused. His musical talents were also utilized for fundraising events that supported organizations combating the unhoused and organizing Christmas toy drives. He wanted to improve the world and started most conversations by asking, "How can we make this a better world and make a change?" Ricky tragically died in a car accident at 22. In his passing, he saved five people through his heroic decision to donate. His heart went to a mother, and he donated each of his kidneys, lungs, and liver. His heavily publicized donations brought awareness of organ donation to his community, allowing him to "Make this a better world and make change." -
(159) Frederick Jones learned his sister, Miceale, needed a kidney, which knocked his family off their axis. His family, with a heart for service, discussed donation but felt conviction toward the Navajo traditions. When a deceased donor came through for Miceale, Frederick signed up to be an organ donor. Frederick lavished his time outdoors on his longboard, crisscrossing all over Albuquerque and hiking. He loved Star Wars and took Yoda's sayings as mantras. Frederick honored God by committing his time to neighbors, the homeless, and the church. He was born with fire in his soul and grace in his heart, raised on the Scout values. At twenty-seven years old, Frederick suffered irreversible head trauma from a car accident. Upon departing from Frederick's physical body, his family prayed and spoke over his body and organs, thanking them for serving him in this material world, with a wish they would serve the next person. Frederick donated his liver, heart, pancreas, and corneas. -
What do you want to be when you grow up? Gavin Raceles knew at the age of seven. He told his mom, "I want to be the world's biggest superhero." This bold statement did not surprise his parents. Their sweet son had pure energy – like sunshine. He lit up a room. His laugh and dancing feet ruled the family's home in the San Diego suburbs. But at the age of seven, Gavin's intestines suddenly became twisted, cutting off his blood supply and depriving his brain of oxygen. Gavin's parents knew the miracle they prayed for was not coming – but they knew they could give a miracle to someone else. Tawni and Chris Raceles made the heroic decision to donate their son's organs. They remembered what Gavin had said just a few weeks earlier: "I want to be the world's biggest superhero." Lifesharing coordinated Gavin's organ donation and found matching recipients for his heart, liver, and kidney recipients. Gavin saved three lives. -
Jake was an exceptional young man loved by his family, friends, and community. He was kind and always saw the positive. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious spark about him. He loved the outdoors, music, and sports, lettering in football and wrestling. He was never the biggest guy on his team, but had the biggest heart. As an excellent student at the top of his class, Jake received his Degree in Chemistry posthumously from the University of Nevada. He had a strong work ethic and was an important role model for his brother and sister. In January 2020, two days shy of his 21st birthday, Jake passed after a tragic accident. He would take pride in knowing his decision to be a donor saved three people with his liver and kidneys. Everyone whose life he touched profoundly misses him. -
Jayme Sue Louque enjoyed her family and friends; everyone was her "favorite" or "best friend." Before she was even a year old, she attended her first musical to watch her sister perform. Born with Dandy-Walker syndrome, she spent much of her life in and out of the hospital. At age 14, she suffered a catastrophic cardiac arrest. The decision to donate Jayme Sue's organs was easy. Her mom is a living kidney donor, and her dad is a two-time kidney transplant recipient. Jayme Sue's organs saved the lives of five people, and her gift of life-enhancing tissue and corneas helped many more. A few weeks before Jayme Sue died, she was in her school performance of the "Aladdin" musical. After she died, her choir teacher commissioned a song in Jayme Sue's honor, "In Paradisum." The lyrics incorporate the Bible verse she was named after and her last words, "I want Jesus." Her classmates sang it at the end-of-year concert. -
Jihad Basil Pridgen, aka Snowhadd, was a talented and passionate rapper. Raised in a musical household, Jihad followed in the footsteps of his globally acclaimed father, American hip hop artist Freeway. Jihad was a rising star in the Philadelphia music scene with a bright future ahead of him. He was also a loving son, brother, cousin, and friend who touched many lives with his music and personality. In October 2020, Jihad Pridgen died suddenly at the age of twenty years old. The loss of his life was tragic, but amidst their painful loss, Jihad's family honored others with the gift of life. Jihad was able to donate both lungs, his liver and both kidneys. Freeway and Jihad are both honored on the 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life Float. Freeway uses his platform to advocate for donation and transplantation, not only honoring the donor who saved his life but lifting up the memory of his son who saved the lives of four others. -
On Monday, February 10th, 2020, Joe Barratt was walking home from the library when a hit-and-run driver struck him. Though he received medical treatment at John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center for the next three days, his extensive injuries ultimately determined that he was not going to recover. On February 13th, Joe was removed from the ventilator. He had recently visited the DMV to get an ID and registered as a donor. It is only fitting that someone with a heart as big as Joe's would save the lives of several others during his last moments on earth. Joe was able to give the Gift of Life to four others as an organ donor. His heart recipient, Ted Jung, received his heart on February 14th, which is National Donor Day and Valentine's Day. Joe and Ted will be featured on the 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life Float together. -
John J Vargas was known to be a loving, caring person who worked hard his whole life. John's mother was Native American from the Kickapoo Tribe, and his father was Hispanic. John met his wife on the Yakima Reservation in Washington. She was a registered Potawatomi Native. They were married and started a family: two boys, Joe and David, and a daughter, Jolene. John and his wife helped other children with no place to go. Everyone would call him Uncle John. During their life, two of John's three children suffered kidney issues and had five kidney transplants between the two of them. On January 12, 2000, John passed away suddenly from pneumonia, and the family learned that he was a registered donor. John's decision to become a donor is not what is usually done in the Native American culture. After John's cornea donation, he inspired his nieces and nephews to sign up to become registered organ, eye, and tissue donors. -
Kali Rose Geselowitz was born on March 27, 2019 and passed away on June 4, 2022. She was full of life, laughter and love. In her 3 short years , she touched the lives of so many, including friends, family, her gymnastics studio and her teachers. There was never a day where she didn't have a beaming bright smile, or a twinkle in her eye. Kali was a dancer, an avid gymnast, and enjoyed wrestling with her siblings. She loved helping others, sharing her toys and being a good friend. Because of her selfless love for others, Kali Rose saved 4 lives through the gift of organ donation, saving the lives of a 2 year old little boy, a 7 month old baby boy, a 30 year old man and a married, mother of 2 children. Kali Rose will forever be in the eyes of everyone who knew her and to her recipients, she will always be a Hero. -
Kerry Welsh was energetic and goal-oriented, with a smile that lit up the room. She brought love, laughter, and joy to everyone. Kerry used her creative talents to create handcrafted greeting cards for her friends and family. She was an outstanding student, athlete, and active high school and community member. Kerry graduated high school as a salutatorian with a 4.6 GPA and played four years of Varsity soccer. Kerry was a member of the National Honor Society, Founder of the SAT/ACT Test Prep Club, Co-President of the City of Hope Cancer Awareness Club, and Junior Volunteer of the Year at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital. Kerry had dreams of becoming a doctor and attended Loyola Marymount University. When Kerry applied for her driver's license, she registered as an organ donor. Her life was taken in a tragic motor vehicle collision at 18. Even though Kerry was gone at a very young age, she made a tremendous impact on everyone she knew. -
Lance Brandon Chavez, affectionately known as Bo to his Ohana (family), was a vibrant soul, born in the heart of Honolulu, Hawai'i. Bo's life was adorned with a boisterous laugh, an infectious smile, and a heart of gold. He was a devoted husband, father of five, son, big brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and a cherished friend. Bo proudly acknowledged his Hawai'ian heritage. "Live Aloha" wasn't merely a motto but a guiding principle. In the United States Marine Corps, Bo served as a Lance Corporal stationed in his beloved Hawai'i. Bo's surprising departure left an irreplaceable void. However, Bo was unsurprisingly a registered organ donor. Bo's heart now beats in an Army veteran. His kidneys are offering renewed life to a woman and man. His tissue donations extend immeasurable gifts — restoring quality of life, filling soft tissue loss, and potentially restoring sight. Bo's Ohana established the Live Aloha Foundation, carrying on his spirit of spreading Aloha. -
Linda Carroll Dean had a deep commitment to her tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Linda was a talented and well-loved hairdresser for twenty years. However, a heart condition left Linda unable to continue her career in cosmetology, and she began a new career path in medical records with the Chickasaw Nation. When Linda wasn't working, you could find her watching movies in the theater, attending local Pow Wows, crocheting, sewing, attending Arts & Crafts shows, or spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Linda's children fondly remember spending weekend trips to Texas at Six Flags and the local water parks. One year, she took the whole family camping in the Ozark Mountains, where they had so much fun that they all returned home sunburnt and blistered. Even in her passing, Linda continues to bring joy to those around her through her donation legacy. Linda donated cornea and tissue to help improve the lives of many others. -
Manohar "Mike" Lilaram Vaswani was born May 2, 1944, in Hyderabad, Sindh, India. Mike and his wife Rita immigrated to the US in 1971, and they were married for 52 years. Passionate about helping others, Mike led many community service projects over the years. Every holiday season, Mike and his team donated turkeys and toys to local students. Mike was a strong community leader in the Sindhi community, and he founded the Asian American Group in Las Vegas (AAG). As a political activist, he supported candidates aligned with AAG's mission to preserve Asian culture and make Las Vegas a more inclusive community. After a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Mike died peacefully at home on July 31, 2022, with his family by his side. His final wish was fulfilled when his organs were donated to the Nevada Donor Network, and his brain tissue was donated for Alzheimer's research. His legacy of altruism lives on in his family and friends. -
Marty Palmanteer was a member of the Colville Tribe, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Marty was stationed in Berlin when the wall came down. While the wall was dismantled, Marty proudly wrote "Colville Tribes" on the wall. Known for being an impartial high school sports referee, Marty was selected as the Washington State Volleyball Official of the Year and the Okanogan County Basketball Official of the Year. Marty was the jokester in his family, making his three daughters, two stepsons, wonderful wife, and loving siblings laugh with his comical adventures. Marty learned firsthand about donation in 2011 after his brother-in-law received a life-saving liver transplant. When he was only 50, Marty Palmanteer experienced a life-ending brain hemorrhage. Marty donated his kidneys, giving the gift of life to two different families five years after his brother in law received his transplant. Marty's sister and brother in law, Carrie and Jim, continue honoring his memory as OneLegacy Ambassadors. -
Twenty-five-year-old Matthew Messina dedicated his young life to service. A U.S. Marine and big brother to two sisters, Matt was always the kind of guy to put others before himself. Matthew's dreams of continuing to help others through work with young children were cut short, however, when he was seriously injured by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run crash, when Matt was bike riding. After falling into a coma, Matthew passed away the morning after his parents flew to the hospital to be with him. Traumatized by the loss of their loved one, Matt's family thought they might never find healing. But they now know Matt's donation gifts have truly helped them throughout the grieving process. Matt's donated liver and kidney to one woman and kidney and pancreas to another have truly offered them health and life. His family now volunteers with MTF Biologics and in other ways to continue his legacy of service. -
MIGUEL CORTES was born on October 25, 1994 in California. He loved spending time with his family, dancing, riding horses, and being outdoors, enjoying nature. He had a six year old son who he adored more than anything. Miguel was riding his horse on the night of May 6 when he was hit by an SUV. After suffering from trauma injuries caused by the tragic accident, Miguel died on May 12, 2022 in Riverside, CA. He was doing what he loved most, taking a night stroll with his horse. He enjoyed traveling and his untimely death became his last trip, flying to heaven. His family finds comfort in knowing that Miguel was a registered donor. He gave the gift of life to others as an organ donor. His family is proud to know that a part of Miguel is still alive and bringing joy to three families, and they look forward to meeting Miguel’s recipients someday. -
Nate Hall was humble and quiet but brilliant. He would firmly debate any topic he felt strongly about. Nate followed his curiosity about anything that interested him, often writing about what he learned. His family remembers him as an incredible writer. Nate had a non-negotiable commitment to being kind to animals. When Nate visited Rocky Mountain National Park, he spent long periods watching the elk run against the backdrop of the mountains. Nate opened so many people's eyes to the importance of taking care of living things – whether it be sharing his vegan lifestyle or just being content with what he had. Nate had a simple wardrobe because he felt he had everything he needed. In keeping with his generous spirit and caring for living things, after Nate's death, he gave life to others through the gift of tissue donation. Nate donated bone to reconstruct tissue and joints, heart valves to repair a malfunctioning heart, and corneas to restore sight. -
Neil Manhar Patel was born in Pontiac, MI, on January 6, 1983. He graduated from Chapin High School, SC, where he was a star basketball player and famously called "Chief." Neil was known to help the homeless and anyone needing assistance, often "giving the shirt off his back" by sharing clothes, food, and shelter. Neil frequently watched sports with his best friends, brother, and nephew and cracked everyone up with his sense of humor. He loved basketball, philosophical discussions, dogs, and family. Neil loved rooting for his favorite teams: Michigan Wolverines and South Carolina Gamecocks. Neil worked in the family steel business alongside his mom. Neil died in a car accident on March 19, 2021. His family learned Neil was an organ donor during this tragedy. This choice has been an incredible legacy that has given the Patel family a way for Neil to live on through the lives he has touched and saved through donation. -
Paul Eskildsen was passionate about serving others. A man of deep faith, he went on a mission trip to Peru and served his church community by organizing blood drives. Paul bonded with his Little Brother Marcos, whom he was matched with through the Big Brothers program, over their fondness for history. He enjoyed SCUBA diving, horseback riding, and talking about politics. He grew up in Pasadena, and decorated floats for the Rose Parade many times in his youth. Paul served, supported, and loved his wife and daughter with unparalleled care and attention. As a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor, after his sudden and unexpected death from a brain injury, he was in such excellent health that he gave his heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs, saving the lives of four people. His corneas, bone, skin, and tissue have improved the lives of 66 additional people. Paul's devotion to serving others lives on through the recipients of his gifts. -
Qyana Mone Porter, known to all who loved her as Kiki, was a vibrant, cheerful young woman. She was a loving daughter, sister, auntie, granddaughter, and cousin. Her bubbliness is what bound many of her family members. During Qyana's pre-teen years, she began having seizures, and although the challenges were immense, Qyana's strength was phenomenal. She pushed on. She was able to experience what most teenagers did: her first job (at McDonald's), graduating from high school, attending college, buying a car, and embarking into the "grown-up world" with a job at Amtrak. She registered as a donor when she got her license, stating, "If I can help someone, I will." This statement came to fruition in 2014 when Qyana succumbed to a brain injury incurred from a seizure. When it came time for the hardest decision parents would make, there was no question or hesitation from her dad or mom. Qyana will forever be remembered as Kikigirl and forever 21. -
Ronald Sublett, Jr., known as "Beaver," was a kindhearted, generous, caring man who loved his family and friends. He loved music, especially everything Pearl Jam. He could make everyone laugh and was always fun to be around. He was a knowledgeable employee of the Department of Motor Vehicles. He was always glad to help his customers and coworkers. He loved to answer a friend or family member's DMV question. He was always willing to help where he could, especially while shopping. He was happy to grab something off the top shelf for a fellow shopper, sometimes offering to help before being asked. After holding the door open for a stranger, he would tell them, "That is my good deed for the day!" His final good deed for the day was donating his corneas, so others could receive the gift of sight. -
Rosanna Manrique Gómez was a wonderful wife, mother of three, and grandmother. Rosanna didn't have a selfish bone in her body, always giving and caring to those in need. Despite dealing with her own family problems and health conditions, she never let that get in the way of her service to others. A perfect example is the thirteen years she dedicated to numerous Long Beach schools. Rosanna worked in the school district and helped many troubled children. Rosanna didn't think about how compassionate she was, but her friends and family can attest to this, including the families who received the tissue she donated through OneLegacy. In 2020, Rosanna suffered a stroke from a brain aneurysm, causing her to pass away. Her family is honored to have Rosanna be part of the Rose Parade. Rosanna never asked for anything in return for her kindness, gifts, and service, but it is fitting that she will receive this ultimate honor. -
Sadi'jae Najera was born in Bakersfield, CA, on November 3, 2003. Her unique personality and compassionate nature were evident early in her relationships with her parents and siblings. Her favorite pastimes included singing, dancing, and making TikTok videos. Sadi'jae dreamed of being a veterinarian and a mother. She relished babysitting and was an amazing godmother to her nephew. Sadi'jae's family was changed forever when she was struck by a car. After 5 hours of surgery, there were no signs of brain activity, and she passed away. Her parents were invited into JJ's Legacy Comfort Room to discuss Sadi'jae's donor options with OneLegacy. Her compassionate nature guided their decision, and Sadi'jae was able to save five lives. One of her kidney recipients, Raul Gonzales, is a member of their church and now has become an honorary member of her family. Her floragraph on the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float is a fitting tribute and accomplishment. -
Scott Hultman had a tender, playful heart and an ever-present, larger-than-life smile. He shared a love of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his father and spent as much time as possible outdoors. Scott never met a tool he didn't master. But Scott's true passion was photography and woodworking. When Scott's father died suddenly from cancer in 2018, Scott became the rock for his mother and sister. But his most cherished role was that of a dedicated father to his young son, Ryder. In November 2020, after Scott's own sudden death, his mother learned that her son was a registered organ donor. Scott's legacy would be his final heroic gift - the opportunity to save lives. His heart, kidneys and liver were successfully transplanted into four recipients who are all thriving. Scott's heart recipient, Jeff Newell, a dedicated tennis instructor for children, has become a part of Scott's family. And now Ryder is learning tennis from his new "friend" Jeff! -
Vivian Charity Beutel lived life with a spirit of gratitude and presence. She was an avid runner, yogi, backpacker, and explorer. Her smile was bright and infectious. For nearly 15 years, her work as a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse embodied her namesake: Charity. Viv treated the youngest, most vulnerable patients at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with diligence, dignity, and compassion. Long after her patients graduated from the NICU, Viv cared for them and their families by organizing the Annual NICU Reunion at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Viv's spirit of charity lives on in VIVI'S FUND, a special fund established by the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation to help families whose newborns are being treated in the NICU; and is epitomized in her legacy as an organ donor. Even after her passing, she continues to save lives, having successfully donated five of her organs. Two of her recipients, Scott (kidney) and Connie (lungs) maintain a close relationship with her family.