Photo submitted to Times Observer WGH CEO Rick Allen in rose vial signing ceremony.

Warren General Hospital CEO Rick Allen joined the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) for a rose vial signing ceremony. The rose vial will be placed on the 2020 Donate Life Rose Parade® float featured at the 2020 Tournament of Roses® parade and will symbolize the hospital’s commitment to organ, tissue and cornea donation.

Celebrating its 18th year of participating in the parade, the Donate Life Rose Parade float is the centerpiece of a national effort of more than 50 organizations to reach a broad audience with the simple, life-giving message that donation saves and heals lives.

“We are honored to be part of this commemorative event honoring donors who have given the gift of life,” said Allen. “And we look forward to sharing the importance of organ, tissue and cornea donation with the millions of people who watch the Rose Parade annually.”

This year’s float entry, Light in the Darkness, reflects the parade’s theme of The Power of Hope, and highlights unity, light, and love, as celebrated during Southeast Asia’s Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light shining in the darkness. A single organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of as many as 75 more by donating their corneas and tissue. As the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, tissue and cornea donation, the Donate Life Rose Parade float inspires viewers to help the over one million people in need of transplants each year.

“Light in the Darkness is a theme that speaks to the gift of hope that organ, tissue and cornea donation provides to donors, donor families, recipients and those waiting for life-saving transplants,” said Susan Stuart, president, and CEO, CORE. “CORE is proud to participate in such a public display of honor for donors and their families who made the decision to give in the midst of loss — to be the spark that lights the darkness and creates hope for those waiting is truly remarkable. And we are inspired that WGH has symbolized their commitment to a donation by signing a rose vial to adorn this beautiful float.”