Larry started the New Year by watching his daughter-in-law Isabel in the 2008 Rose Parade, riding on the Donate Life float to raise awareness of the importance of organ, tissue and blood donation.

   Four years ago, Isabel, who suffered from cystic fibrosis since birth, was at the end of her life before receiving a last minute double lung transplant. In a time of tragedy, a grieving family agreed to donate their young son's lungs to save Isabel's life. His gift spared Larry's son from becoming a widower.

   Two months before his accident, Isabel's donor told his mother that if anything ever happened to him, he wanted to be an organ donor so he could help people. This young man did not ask whether the recipient of his altruism was of a similar race, background or political view. He gave unconditionally, because it was the right thing to do.

   "While so much divides our country, some principles bring us together: that life is precious, that sharing life is noble, that leaving a legacy by helping people is heroic," Larry says. "Through organ donation, some good comes out of tragic death. Organ donation can help a grieving family heal."

   There is an urgency to donate life. More than 98,000 Americans are waiting for organ transplants, and 19 people die every day for lack of available organs. In Florida last year, 1,857 people received organ transplants. Approximately 3,164 patients are listed at one of Florida's nine transplant centers.

   Larry's daughter-in-law Isabel lives a healthy, productive, normal life. So does her twin sister, who also received two double lung transplants. Their organ donors have returned them to their families, friends and communities.

   Organ and tissue donation is the great equalizer. Republicans donate hearts to Democrats. Asians breathe through Latino lungs. African Americans are freed from dialysis by Caucasian kidneys. Men are running with women's ligaments. Democrats see through the eyes of Republicans. All major religions support organ donation because beneficence to fellow human beings is more important than the preservation of the body following death.

   Please join Larry in giving the gift of life by signing up to become an organ and tissue donor. Please click here if you are a Florida resident. You have the power to Donate Life!