Sparkal Day

Type of Donation:       Kidney (living donor)

Age and Location:      43, Los Angeles, CA

Date of Donation:           July 12, 2022

Sponsor:                      Honored by OneLegacy

SPARKAL’S STORY

For CBS2/KCAL9 camerawoman Sparkal Day, storytelling has always been a calling. From breaking news to powerful community moments, she's built her career on capturing truth through her lens. But among all the stories she's told, none has touched her more deeply than her own.

Every year, Sparkal covers the Rose Parade, and every year, one float stands out: the OneLegacy Donate Life float. Through her camera, she captures its color, emotion, and spirit — a living testament to generosity and second chances. "Each time I film it, I feel the deeper purpose behind it," she says. "It's not just a float. It's a story of hope."

That message became profoundly personal in 2022, when Sparkal donated her right kidney to her mother, Charlotte. Living on opposite coasts made the journey complex — Sparkal completed her testing and evaluations in California while Charlotte awaited surgery in the East. "She gave me life," Sparkal said. "Of course, I'd give part of mine for her."

On July 12, 2022, the transplant took place. Charlotte's health and spirit were renewed, free from the exhausting cycle of dialysis. "It's like I got my mom back," Sparkal shared. "Not just physically, but in spirit." The experience deepened their bond and gave new meaning to Sparkal's understanding of giving, resilience, and love.