2019 Gary and Lois Foxen

GARY and LOIS’ STORY

The Donate Life Rose Parade® Float, in all its glory, is “America’s Donate Life Celebration.” Each New Year’s Day, this majestic float travels down Colorado Boulevard inspiring millions throughout the world as it celebrates the best of humanity. This unique and remarkable float came into existence due to the vision of one man, lung recipient Gary Foxen. Gary wrote a heartfelt letter suggesting that OneLegacy enter a float in the historic Rose Parade® to spread the word about the life-saving benefits of organ, eye and tissue donation. He wanted to inspire a nation to celebrate the lives of donors, their families and the lives of those who have been saved from other’s ultimate gift. Gary was persistent. His perseverance paid off the day he received the call that the Tournament of Roses had approved Donate Life’s application for an entry in the 2004 Rose Parade®. The beginning of a more meaningful chapter in his life, Gary said, “It was one of my best days ever.”

In June 2004, Gary received the Coalition on Donation’s James Wolf, MD Award for his “Inspiration and Commitment to Increasing Organ and Tissue Donation.” In 2006, Gary participated as a rider on the Donate Life float “Life Transformed.”  When asked about working on the float Gary stated, “I have seen two Donate Life floats developed, designed and decorated by hundreds of volunteers who wanted to honor the memory of their loved ones passed and to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation. The messages and stories that have been generated by these caring individuals have been most inspiring and I have come to appreciate the tremendous impact of these floats.”

In November of 2014, Gary passed away. As we know, strength comes in numbers and in Gary’s case it was no different. His wife Lois was by his side just as involved as he was on this most incredible journey. Lois’ kind heart and inspiration was second to none. The Donate Life community lost Lois this past June. As a way to honor them both, this year’s float will be adorned with a floragraph of both Gary and Lois decorated with sadness and celebration. Because of their commitment, we have this magical float to say to the world that donation works. As established as tradition with the 2015 float, Gary’s iconic hat will continue to ride down Colorado Boulevard in his memory of his gift to Donate Life. Gary and Lois’ impact is immeasurable and their legacy lives on, remaining an inspiration to our community.