NORWICH – Watching the Tournament of Roses Parade is a New Year’s Day tradition for many families. For some individuals, watching the parade is even more than a tradition – it is validation of a life-changing decision to provide life to a tissue or organ recipient. This year will be no different.

Over the past years, Donate Life, a national network of organ and transplant organizations, has been a major participant in the parade, honoring the relationship between these organizations and the hospitals they partner with as well as those families and individuals who have chosen to donate life. .

This year’s Donate Life float in the Rose Parade will be covered with roses dedicated to the memory of organ and tissue donors in the year 2012. In addition, some transplant recipients will be riding on the float and other recipients and families of donors will be honored guests at the parade as well.