Lourdes Special Message to Donor Families Represented in 2016 Rose Parade

CAMDEN, NJ – On New Year’s Day, thousands of U.S. hospitals in support of organ and tissue donation were represented as the Donate Life Float appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, an event watched annually by 40 million viewers.

Prior to the parade, hospital leaders across the nation, including Lourdes President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander J. Hatala, wrote special handwritten messages to honor the generosity of families that have given the gift of life. These messages were carried on the float, themed “Treasure Life’s Journey.”

New Jersey is served by six transplant centers. Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is the only transplant center in southern New Jersey. More than 1,000 patients have received the gift of life at Lourdes.

Nationwide, more than 120,000 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant, nearly 5,000 waiting in New Jersey alone. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a single tissue donor can restore sight, function and mobility to more than 50 others. To register as a donor, visit www.njsharingnetwork.org. Be sure to share your decision with your family.

Pictured: Alexander J. Hatala, Lourdes President and Chief Executive Officer, writes a special handwritten messages to honor the generosity of families that have given the gift of life. These messages were carried on the Donate Life Float, themed “Treasure Life’s Journey,” at the 2016 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.