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Young Athlete's Gift of Life to be Honored on Rose Parade Float

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 December 2008, 11:27 CST

PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Donor mother Kim Morsching will be among 26 float riders in the 6th annual Donate Life America Rose Parade, held here on New Year's Day. This year's theme, "The Stars of Life," honors the millions of people who make the gift of life possible for others. Kim Morsching's real-life star, her 21-year-old son Kevin, donated organs and tissues after dying in a tragic accident in 2007.

South Dakota resident Kim Morsching uses Kevin's favorite word -- arete -- to describe him. This Greek word, which translates to "pursuing excellence," was Kevin's mantra. Kevin pursued excellence in everything he did. His passion for life was showcased on the baseball field and in his loving generosity towards his family and his many friends.

Kevin died in a skateboard accident as he lived-giving one hundred percent. Kevin had made the decision to become an organ and tissue donor when he applied for his driver's license and his decision was supported by his family. Kevin's heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas saved the lives of six people. Kevin's gift of bone and soft tissue has helped restore mobility and improved health to 55 other people ranging in age from 21 to 79 across the United States.

"Donation was our bright spot. You know all the good things about your child, and donation is their last good thing," said Kim. "It's kind of like a rebirth for me."

Coordinated by Donate Life America member OneLegacy, the Donate Life Rose Parade float is supported by organ and tissue organizations across the country. Kim Morsching's participation is sponsored by the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF). MTF is a non-profit service organization dedicated to providing quality tissue through a commitment to excellence in education, research, recovery and care for recipients, donors and their families. For more information about MTF, visit www.mtf.org. To learn how to become an organ, eye and tissue donor in your state, visit www.donatelife.net.

For more information about Kim and Kevin Morsching and the Donate Life float, including photos, visit the official Donate Life float website, www.donatelifefloat.org.

SOURCE Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation

Source: PR Newswire

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