BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Bands, horses, floats, and crowds. Some from Pasadena and some from Kern County.
Doctor Larry Yokoyama was the recipient of a kidney from Tammy McKeown, who was an organ donor from Bakersfield who wanted to donate to Bakersfield. In a Christmas day surgery back in 2020, Doctor Yokoyama’s life was saved.
Now in 2023, the annual celebration of the New Year is also celebrating Tammy with a florograph on the Donate Life Float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
“You know, I didn't get a chance to meet her but if she was standing here today I would say that she has blessed me and my family so much,” said Dr. Yokoyama about Tammy.
The float wasn’t just a symbol of honor for organ donation. It was an award-winning float as well gaining the top award of the Rose Parade: the Sweepstakes Award.
With the 39 florographs, 16 organ recipient riders, and four living donor walkers the float lived up to its theme of lifting each other up.
READ MORE:
- Bakersfield organ donor to be honored at 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena
- Bakersfield organ donor to be honored during Rose Parade
