Saratoga Hospital Partners with Center for Donation & Transplant
Posted on December 23, 2010 by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Hospital’s donors will be represented on Rose Parade float January 1

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY―When the Rose Parade makes its way through Pasadena on January 1, those who made organ and tissue donations via Saratoga Hospital will be represented on the Center for Donation & Transplant’s (CDT) Donate Life float.

The hospital is partnering with CDT to honor individuals who choose to give the gift of life through organ or tissue donation. In appreciation, the CDT float in the 2011 Rose Parade will feature a rose dedicated to Saratoga Hospital’s donors. The rose—one of 1,500 representing supporting organizations across the U.S.—will be incorporated into the float design as part of the “Family Circle Garden.”

Throughout 2011, Saratoga Hospital will fly a “Donate Life” flag each time the hospital facilitates an organ or tissue donation. The flag will then be given to the donor’s family in memory of their loved one.

The hospital will also fly the flag during National Donate Life Month in April to help increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

“Donors and their families truly are unsung heroes,” said Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “During a time of great loss, they reach out and give the gift of life to someone they’ve never even met.

“By flying the flag, we publicly acknowledge this most selfless, most inspiring act,” he added. “We hope, too, that we encourage others to follow the example of our donors and their family members.”

Right now, more than 100,000 U.S. patients are waiting for life-saving transplants. On average, 18 will die every day due to the lack of transplantable organs. One donor can save or enhance the life of up to 50 people.