#USA #Los Angeles #Donate Life #Verónica Salas #Rose Parade

Veronica Salas: A Legacy of Love and Advocacy at the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade

In an extraordinary tribute to her father, Veronica Salas has been named the Walker Honoree for the esteemed 2025 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade. This event celebrates not only the beauty and artistry of the parade floats but also the profound impact of organ donation—a mission Veronica holds dear.

Veronica's journey began with her father, Jose Salas, who faced significant health challenges due to vasculitis. This condition severely affected his kidney function, thrusting the Salas family into navigating the complex world of health care and organ donation. Jose was a man of great resilience and humility. Coming from Tamazula Durango, Mexico, he built a life for his family in California, demonstrating the values of hard work and selflessness throughout his 45-year marriage.

In 2006, the family's world was turned upside down when doctors informed them that Jose would not survive beyond six months without a kidney transplant. Without hesitation, Veronica and her siblings volunteered to get tested to see if they could be a match. On July 6, 2006, Veronica made the brave decision to donate one of her kidneys to her father. For her, it was not a matter of whether she would help, but rather when she could do so.

Reflecting on this intimate family experience, Veronica honors her father's unwavering strength and her mother’s steadfast support during the grueling transplant process. This journey solidified Veronica’s belief in the transformative power of organ donation, as she witnessed, firsthand, the incredible difference it could make in someone’s life. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give the gift of life back to my father,” she states, attributing her courage to her strong faith and the support of organizations like Donate Life.

As she prepares to participate in the Rose Parade, Veronica carries with her the teachings of her family and the memory of her father. Inspired by the biblical verse Matthew 5:16, she reflects: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Veronica aims to use her platform to raise awareness about the vital need for organ donors. Her participation in the parade is not merely a personal honor but a beacon of hope for countless families facing similar challenges.

About Donate Life California

The Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry operates as a nonprofit registry, meticulously safeguarding the decisions of individuals who choose to donate their organs and tissues. This database is vital for authorized personnel involved in organ recovery and transplantation.
To further their mission, Donate Life California collaborates with four nonprofit organ recovery organizations throughout the state, ensuring that the message of hope continues to reach those in need of life-saving transplants.

Visit donateLIFEcalifornia.org to learn more about how organ donation can save lives and how to get involved.

About OneLegacy

OneLegacy is a leading organization dedicated to saving lives through organ donation in Southern California, covering seven counties including Los Angeles and Orange. They work diligently with over 200 hospitals and 9 transplant centers to promote the importance of eye, organ, and tissue donation. OneLegacy strives to inspire community action and engagement to create a brighter future for all those impacted by the need for transplants.

Becoming an organ donor is a straightforward process: you can register online or check 'yes' at your local DMV, making a significant difference in the fight against organ failure. Through efforts like those of Veronica Salas, the compassionate journey of donation is celebrated widely, inspiring others to follow suit.