2026 Float Walkers
Meet the inspiring living donors.
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On Christmas Eve 2018, April's mom was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis. Though very sick, her mom's MELD score wasn't high enough to qualify for a deceased donor liver, making a living donor her final hope. April and her sister volunteered as living donors. Her sister was tested first, but she wasn't compatible. Come that time, April had been smoke-free for three months and eagerly stepped forward. She was a match, and on October 21, 2019, April donated a lobe of her liver to her mom. Her mom's recovery inspired April to advocate for organ donation and eventually become an altruistic living kidney donor. On November 13, 2024, she proudly became a two-time donor. April has connected with Lindsey, the woman who received her kidney, and they no longer need dialysis. April's mom has since witnessed milestones with children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Smoke-free and healthier than ever, April now shares their story to inspire others. -
In 2015, Raquel's mother, Rena, was diagnosed with liver failure and given just three months to live. During this time, Raquel became her mother's strongest advocate as they navigated complex hospital systems and came to terms with the diagnosis. When they learned about living donation, Raquel immediately felt hopeful. She wanted to be her mother's donor. On September 8th, 2016, Raquel donated 60% of her liver to her mother, an act that saved Rena's life. Today, Rena is healthy, happy, and is now able to spend precious time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Raquel no serves as a Donate Life Ambassador, sharing her story with local communities. As a DMV employee, she is honored to represent the many individuals who visit DMV offices and are impacted by organ, eye, and tissue donation. Through her advocacy, Raquel hopes to inspire and support families facing experiences similar to her own. Raquel's dream is to also become a living kidney donor one day. -
At 33 years old, Sheila Rodriguez made the life-changing decision to become a living liver donor, offering a portion of her liver to someone in need. She has built a distinguished career as a public safety dispatcher and currently serves as a Tactical Dispatcher for North County SWAT in Orange County. Sheila was also honored with a Lifesaving Award after successfully instructing CPR over the phone. Her decision to donate a portion of her liver wasn't taken lightly. Though her family was understandably apprehensive about the risks involved, they stood by her with love, pride, and admiration. The experience inspired others in her life to consider the lasting impact of organ donation. Her role as a living donor also led her to become an ambassador for OneLegacy, where she now shares her story to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. She continues to live each day with intention, lifting others up through compassion, courage, and connection. -
Sparkal Day, a camerawoman for CBS2/KCAL9 in Los Angeles, has spent her career capturing powerful stories through her lens, never realizing that she would also have a very powerful story to tell. For years, she's filmed the Rose Parade, where the OneLegacy Donate Life float always stood out to her as more than a beautiful display. It symbolized generosity, hope, and second chances. These values became deeply personal when Sparkal donated her kidney to her mother, Charlotte, in 2022. Coordinating the donation from across the country while balancing her demanding career, Sparkal never hesitated. "She gave me life, of course I'd give part of mine for her," she said. The surgery renewed Charlotte's health, bringing mother and daughter closer than ever, and giving new meaning to Sparkal's understanding of giving, resilience, and love. Today, Sparkal continues to raise awareness about living and deceased organ donation. "I've spent my life telling other people's stories," she says. "Now, I understand the power of being part of one."