Through her death on May 24, 2003, 24-year-old Jill Connett gave the ultimate gift – the gift of life – by being an organ donor. To honor her gift, Jill’s mom, Melody Connett, will join twenty-five other living donors and donor family members in the 120th Tournament of Roses Parade. Jill will be honored visually by one of only 38 ‘floragraph’ images framed by gold stars – and the only from Colorado – adorning the sixth Donate Life float entry, “Stars of Life.” Jill’s mom will ride on the “Stars of Life” float, standing underneath her daughter’s star. The Rose Parade themed Hats Off To Entertainment will take place Thurs., Jan. 1, 2009, at 9 a.m. (MST) in Pasadena, CA.
Donor Alliance, the organ procurement organization serving Colorado and most of Wyoming, has sponsored Connett and the recipient of Jill’s liver, Carole Pirri, to be a part of the celebration in honor of Jill. Melody had the opportunity to meet Carole and four years later, they are now great friends, speaking together to promote organ donation. Carole will watch and cheer Melody on from the grandstands!