The Nevada Donor Network is an organization that helps facilitate organ, eye, and tissue donations across the state.
Every year they pay tribute to their donor heroes with a florograph in the National Rose Parade. And this year they're honoring Alicia MacAleese.
"It's part of an event the Nevada Donor Network has put on that helps honor Alicia's life," said Kenneth MacAleese, Alicia's husband. "She was able to donate corneas after her death that were implanted in others and we're just happy that we're celebrating that donation today."
Alicia was an accomplished behavioral analyst who co-founded a business supporting students with behavior challenges in school settings.
She sadly lost her battle with cancer at age 41, but even after death she gave back to the community.
Before her passing, Alicia asked her family to donate her clothes, hair, and any viable organs or tissues for others who needed them.
"Alicia has an incredible family and we got to learn so much about her and who she was, and it was just great to talk to family members and really get to know more," said Elizabeth Shipman, Senior Director of Organ Services for Nevada Donor Network.
During the ceremony many people spoke of Alicia's accomplishments, memories, and her compassion for others.
Her family put together her florograph, which will be featured on the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade Float.
"When you lose somebody. This opportunity Nevada Donor Network helped get us here to have additional opportunities to remember her and as my kids get older, it's so important for them to be able to remember the life their mother had and the kind of giving she expressed as a person," Alicia's husband explains.
Shipman tells us, "Her story is unique, and we want everyone to know that they can be a donor and not to let the medical history preclude them from wanting to be a donor and registering to be an organ or tissue donor."
The City of Reno declared December 3rd, 2023, as Alicia MacAleese Donor Hero Day to honor her and encourage everyone to register and become donor heroes as well.
