Local Connections to Rose Parade®

Pictured: Lisa Mendoza-Rodriguez and Joe Rodriguez

MTN and many of our partners were represented in the 134th Rose Parade on Jan. 2, 2023. Each year, MTN sponsors the Donate Life Rose Parade® float, which features floragraphs — portraits made entirely of organic materials — honoring organ, eye and tissue donors. MTN’s 2023 honoree, Zach Mendoza, was a 25 year old from Wichita, Kansas, who donated his organs after passing away in 2019. Zach’s parents, Joe Rodriguez and Lisa Mendoza-Rodriguez, traveled to Pasadena, California, to put the finishing touches on the float and attend the parade.

In addition to Zach’s floragraph, many of our hospital and licensing, treasury and Department of Revenue partners wrote special messages on rose vials that were used on the Donate Life float. Thank you to all who dedicated vials in support of organ, eye and tissue donation, and thanks to everyone who contributes to MTN’s important mission each day.