Madison, News
 By  GreggParker Published 
3:38 pm Thursday, December 8, 2016

Alabama float in Rose Parade endorses organ donation

Mary Lynne Weight, President of Madison Hospital, signs a rose vial for Alabama Organ Center's float in the Rose Parade. Wright sits near a rendering of the float. CONTRIBUTED

Mary Lynne Weight, President of Madison Hospital, signs a rose vial for Alabama Organ Center’s float in the Rose Parade. Wright sits near a rendering of the float. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – When the Tournament of Roses Parade winds through Pasadena, Calif. on New Year’s Day, one float will have Mary Lynne Wright’s signature on a rose vial.
Wright, president of Madison Hospital, is joining other Alabama hospital administrators in promoting organ donation. The executives have signed a vial holding a rose that will ride on the Alabama Organ Center’s parade float.
“We invite our hospital partners to participate in the CEO rose vial signings. The roses will become part of the dedication garden on the float,” Brie Hollander said. Hollander works as the center’s hospital/community liaison.
The Rose Parade attracts millions of viewers, so the float is an excellent medium to promote awareness, Hollander said.
The 2017 float, “Teammates in Life,” depicts a Polynesian catamaran propelled by 24 organ/transplant recipients. The vessel’s sails will feature 60 floral portraits of donors, interwoven with Polynesian designs and patterns.
“Vanderbilt University has a satellite kidney transplant clinic on our campus,” Wright said. “It’s staggering to see the number of people from our community and surrounding area that are in their program.”
“When I die, my organs don’t need to die with me … they need to go to others so they can live,” Wright said.
Alabama Organ Center “provides families an opportunity to donate organs and tissues, to support these families regardless of their decision and to promote equitable utilization of these gifts to others,” Hollander said.
The center facilitates the donor process and coordinates recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation and research. “Alabama Organ Center is committed to increasing knowledge about organ and tissue donation and transplantation, while eliminating common misconceptions,” Hollander said.
Individuals can mark “Yes” for organ donation on driver’s licenses. “You can also register via our paper brochure or online at alabamaorgancenter.org,” Hollander said. “Most importantly, tell your family your wishes. If an individual is not registered to be a donor, then the decision falls to the family.”
“All hospitals play an important role in organ, eye and tissue donation and supporting the families. Donation normally occurs after a sudden, unexpected loss and families require lots of support and guidance,” Wright said.
For more information, visit donatelifefloat.org.
Also on The Madison Record
Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Bob Jones High School Bands, in collaboration with title sponsor KODA Technologies, will present the third annual Rocket City Marching Invit...
Mayor Paul Finley bids farewell, reflects on accomplishments at 2025 Madison Update
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - Madison Mayor Paul Finley will be leaving the office of mayor this Nov. after sitting out the Aug. 26 election. Finley addressed the busines...
District 6 seat to be decided Tuesday in runoff election
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - There is one final race to be decided from Madison’s municipal Aug. 26 election. The representative for District 6 on the Madison City Counc...
Heart of the Valley YMCA exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy, renews mission focus
A: Main, Business, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
HUNTSVILLE – On Sept. 8, Heart of the Valley YMCA announced its successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development marks a new chapter ...
MCDAB presents check to Parks and Recreation, chairperson steps down
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - After serving as the chairperson for the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB) for nine years, Janessa Crosswy is moving and steppi...
State lawmakers, local city leaders meet with Space Command leader to discuss transition
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By ALEX ANGLE Alabama Daily News 
September 17, 2025
WASHINGTON — Space Command is moving quickly to bring the headquarters to Huntsville through meetings with members of the state’s congressional delega...
Best-Selling Author Jen Hatmaker to share memoir on Oct. 21
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Jean Hatmaker, “New York Times” Best-Selling Author, speaker and podcaster, will share thoughts from her memoir, “Awake,” at Blue Apple Book...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *