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| Photo: Kathy Clark |
PASADENA, California - From animal rights issues to same sex marriage, tens of thousands gathered at the annual Rose Parade.
But for one Filipino-American, this parade was the celebration of a second life.
Arthur Joven Reyes kicked off 2014 in grand fashion, riding the Donate Life float at the 125th Annual Rose Parade.
"Being out here is so surreal and being a part of the parade and being part of all of the events it's all hitting me now. It's fun," Reyes said, a heart transplant recipient.
Just three years ago, Reyes didn't think he'd even live to see this day.
In 2005, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After going through five years of treatment, Reyes needed a new heart, surviving from an artificial heart for a month until he found a donor in Justin Oliveria, the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash.
"Hearing the word heart failure was a death sentence for me and I was being worked up for a transplant for about 5 years, and finally 2010, I was able to get my second chance at life. A donor, Justin Olivera, he passed away and his gift gave me a second chance at life and I was able to do so much more," he said.
But for one Filipino-American, this parade was the celebration of a second life.
Arthur Joven Reyes kicked off 2014 in grand fashion, riding the Donate Life float at the 125th Annual Rose Parade.
"Being out here is so surreal and being a part of the parade and being part of all of the events it's all hitting me now. It's fun," Reyes said, a heart transplant recipient.
Just three years ago, Reyes didn't think he'd even live to see this day.
In 2005, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After going through five years of treatment, Reyes needed a new heart, surviving from an artificial heart for a month until he found a donor in Justin Oliveria, the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash.
"Hearing the word heart failure was a death sentence for me and I was being worked up for a transplant for about 5 years, and finally 2010, I was able to get my second chance at life. A donor, Justin Olivera, he passed away and his gift gave me a second chance at life and I was able to do so much more," he said.
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"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor TODAY
In California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net
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