Fronteras

A float in this year's Tournament of Roses Parade will have a Phoenix connection. KJZZ’s Mark Brodie explains.

Amanda Missildine, with her husband (Photo Courtesy of Amanda Missildine)

MARK BRODIE: Amanda Missildine, a nurse at Maricopa Integrated Health System, is riding on the Donate Life Float. After being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, she received a liver transplant – that was about seven and a half years ago. Soon after that, Missildine started volunteering with Donor Network of Arizona, which asked her to be a part of the parade.

AMANDA MISSILDINE: It is a huge event to really get that word out that, sign up to be an organ donor. Not many people really think about it, unless they go to the DMV, which how often do you go to the DMV? So, it’s definitely something to kind of thnk about, and also that it’s incredibly easy.

BRODIE: Missildine says she’s excited and humbled by participating in the parade. And, as for what she’s most looking forward to?

MISSILDINE: What girl doesn’t like flowers? I love flowers, so of course, I mean, a whole parade full of flowers? Come on, that’s awesome.

BRODIE: Missildine is joined by 31 other people with personal connections to organ and tissue donation from the U.S. and Canada on the Donate Life float - including a kidney and heart recipient from Phoenix.