By Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer | Whittier Daily News
SANTA FE SPRINGS - Nearly 13 years after her death from a brain aneurysm, Millicent Sue Zittritsch will be part of the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade.
Her likeness will appear on the Donate Life float, "Seize the Day!" among 60 floragraphs (floral portraits) decorated by donor family members and recipients. "It's the greatest thing," said Shirleen King, Zittritsch's mother. "I hope people see the float and are made aware of the need for organ donations."
On Feb. 25, 1998, the 33-year-old Zittritsch, of Santa Fe Springs, died from a brain aneurysm. She was a donor organ advocate, her family said. "It was just who she was," said King, 68. "She would've given anyone her last dollar."
Five people are living healthy lives today because of her selfless gift.
George Miller, 69, of Ventura, received Zittritsch's liver the morning after his doctors gave him only hours to live. He had been suffering from a "fatty" liver for about a year when he suffered sudden liver failure. Miller and his wife, Lucille, 69, decorated the floragraph. "It was a privilege," he said. "It's a beautiful way to honor Millie." The couple was concerned they wouldn't do a good job of decorating the picture.
"It was much more difficult than I thought it would be," Miller said of placing the onion seeds, powdered rice, ground freeze-dried strawberries and other items on Zittritsch's image.
"She would be thrilled about the float," King said. "Not just about her picture, but more importantly about how many people will become more aware of organ donations by seeing the float."
"Our goal is to inspire people to be organ and tissue donors," said Bryan Stewart, vice president of communications of One Legacy, the primary sponsor of the float. "People will see how we are honoring and remembering those generous people who made donations so others can live," he said.
George Miller, 69, of Ventura, received Zittritsch's liver the morning after his doctors gave him only hours to live. He had been suffering from a "fatty" liver for about a year when he suffered sudden liver failure. Miller and his wife, Lucille, 69, decorated the floragraph. "It was a privilege," he said. "It's a beautiful way to honor Millie." The couple was concerned they wouldn't do a good job of decorating the picture.
"It was much more difficult than I thought it would be," Miller said of placing the onion seeds, powdered rice, ground freeze-dried strawberries and other items on Zittritsch's image.
"She would be thrilled about the float," King said. "Not just about her picture, but more importantly about how many people will become more aware of organ donations by seeing the float."
"Our goal is to inspire people to be organ and tissue donors," said Bryan Stewart, vice president of communications of One Legacy, the primary sponsor of the float. "People will see how we are honoring and remembering those generous people who made donations so others can live," he said.
Zittritsch's mother said being part of the float is just a way for her daughter to continue being an organ donor advocate.
"From the time she got her driver's license, she had that pink dot on it," King said, referring to the sticker placed on licenses designating one as an organ donor.
Stewart said that attitude is displayed on the Rose Parade float.
"Our float entry soars with colorful kites that inspire people to `Seize the Day' and register as organ, eye and tissue donors," he said. "The tails of the kites are adorned with memorial floragraph portraits of deceased donors whose legacies lift the kites and the hopes of those in need of transplants."
For information on organ donation, log on to www.donatelifefloat.org
"From the time she got her driver's license, she had that pink dot on it," King said, referring to the sticker placed on licenses designating one as an organ donor.
Stewart said that attitude is displayed on the Rose Parade float.
"Our float entry soars with colorful kites that inspire people to `Seize the Day' and register as organ, eye and tissue donors," he said. "The tails of the kites are adorned with memorial floragraph portraits of deceased donors whose legacies lift the kites and the hopes of those in need of transplants."
For information on organ donation, log on to www.donatelifefloat.org
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