The 52nd Fiesta Bowl Parade in Central Phoenix drew attention not just for its vibrant floats and community spirit, but also for its poignant stories of organ and tissue donation. Among the 3,000 participants, families of donors and recipients marched to honor the life-saving impact of organ donation. The event, which celebrated Arizona’s traditions and the upcoming Fiesta Bowl game between Boise State and Penn State, highlighted the state’s pride and the enduring legacy of organ donors.
Rob and Shannon Lee Rayb’s story stood out as they walked the parade route with 25 family members to honor their daughter, Addison Lee Rayb Burn. Addison, described as a true lover of life, had died from an asthma attack, resulting in an anoxic brain injury that made her incompatible with life. Despite their profound loss, her parents found solace in knowing Addison’s organs saved the lives of three Arizona residents, a testament to her understanding of life’s preciousness.
The parade also featured heart recipient Laura Gober, who marched to honor her unknown donor. She shared her gratitude for the second chance at life her transplant gave her, emphasizing the incredible gift her donor family provided. The emotional gathering underscored the ongoing connection recipients feel with their donors and the importance of organ donation in extending lives and preserving legacies.
Through the reflections of families like Addison’s and recipients like Laura, the parade became a vivid reminder of the countless lives touched by organ donation. With over 100,000 people in the U.S. currently waiting for life-saving transplants, the call to register as organ donors resonates more urgently, illustrating how such selfless acts can turn tragedy into hope and renewal for others.
