Donor Network West Names 2026 Rose Parade Honorees, Continuing 17-Year Pasadena Tradition

Donor Network West announced seven individuals from Northern California and Northern Nevada who will be honored during the 137th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026, marking the organization’s 17th year of participation in the Pasadena event. The announcement came in a Dec. 3 press release from the San Ramon–based nonprofit organization.

The honorees include three organ transplant recipients who will ride on the Donate Life float and four organ donor heroes whose likenesses will be memorialized with floragraphs, floral portraits made from organic materials. The float is a centerpiece of the annual parade, watched by millions worldwide, and spotlights the strength and generosity of the organ donation community.

“More than a cherished tradition, Donor Network West’s support of the Donate Life float serves as an opportunity to share stories that resonate far beyond the flowers, parade route and fanfare,” said Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West. “Every story we share at the Rose Parade represents a life forever changed. Our honorees remind the world that donation is not simply a medical act, it is a profound human one. Through their and their loved one’s voices and stories, we see the true meaning of legacy, compassion and second chances.”

Among the transplant recipients:

• Damita Barbee of Antioch, Calif., a double-lung recipient who was thriving in her financial services career when she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list in 2010 and wished for new lungs on every birthday. In 2014, just six days before her birthday, she received the call that a match had been found. Since her successful transplant, she has volunteered as a Donor Network West ambassador, educating her community and supporting others living with pulmonary fibrosis. Her participation is co-sponsored by UCSF Health.
• Lauren Martelle of Reno, Nev., diagnosed at 19 with Budd-Chiari syndrome, a rare condition caused by blood clots in the liver. After months of worsening health, she was placed on the national transplant waiting list in 2007 and received a lifesaving liver transplant at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center just one week later. The gift of renewed health allowed her to graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, marry the love of her life and embrace the joy of becoming an aunt. She now volunteers as a Donor Network West ambassador and serves on the board of Sierra Nevada Donor Awareness. Her parade participation is sponsored by Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center.
• Christian Gomez of Watsonville, Calif., born at 34 weeks weighing just 3 pounds, 11 ounces, and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a chronic liver disease. At 9 months old, he received the gift of life from his mother, Maria Gomez, who donated a portion of her liver that enabled him to thrive for 17 years. When liver issues returned, he was placed on the national transplant waiting list in 2024. After a year of waiting, he received a second transplant May 2, 2025, giving him another chance at a longer, healthier life.

Donor heroes to be honored with floragraphs include:

• Patrice Sanders of Madera, Calif., a longtime pediatric nurse remembered for her generosity and impact over 37 years in the emergency department and pediatric ICU. Known for compassionately guiding parents through organ donation decisions and creating handprint quilts to honor children who passed, she continued her legacy of giving after suffering a stroke on June 13, 2024, by fulfilling her final wish to become an organ donor. Her donation saved lives, including a kidney recipient.
• Scott McGreevy of San Francisco, a third-generation San Franciscan remembered for his compassion, quick wit, vibrant smile and generous spirit. He carried his love for his city wherever he went — cheering on the 49ers and Giants, and proudly standing outside the ballpark during the Giants’ championship years with his face painted orange and black and a handmade sign reading, “I need a ticket!” Though his life ended too soon at age 32, his legacy as an organ donor endures. He saved the lives of three people through the donation of his kidneys and liver, and his lungs contributed to medical research.
• Andrew Bedard of Saratoga, Calif., who died suddenly in 2004 from a ruptured aneurysm just days before his ninth birthday. Known for his love of animals, his devotion to the San Jose Earthquakes and his positivity on and off the soccer field, he is remembered for the joy he shared with others. His family chose to say yes to organ donation, saving the lives of people in need, and later met his liver recipient, who had spent more than seven years on the national transplant waiting list searching for a rare match. Andrew’s legacy continues through the San Jose Earthquakes’ Spirit of the Game Award, established in 2008 to honor a player each year who reflects his uplifting spirit and commitment to community.
• Peter Lee of Sparks, Nev., who lived a life defined by wonder and a deep love for healing, knowledge and connection. A beloved presence in the Grateful Dead community, he attended more than 450 shows as a traveling crew member, explored Native American traditions, and worked as a jade miner and carver in Guatemala. His lifelong devotion to giving carried through to the very end, when he donated his liver and other tissue, saving and healing many. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and three sons, Graham, Forrest and Khosh, who carry forward his wisdom and life-giving legacy.

The nonprofit organization noted that more than 20,000 Californians and nearly 700 Nevadans remain on the national transplant waiting list. Donor Network West encouraged residents to register as organ donors through its website.