Memorial Hospital Associate, Family Honor Daughter’s Life
As spokespersons for the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization (IOPO), Memorial Hospital associate Kathy Mikel, R.N., Lactation Consultant, and her husband, Mark, will take part in a unique opportunity to bring awareness about organ donation to millions of people on New Year’s Day. The Mikels will help put the final touches on the 2015 Donate Life float in the 126th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on behalf of IOPO. The parade’s theme of “Inspiring Stories” is fitting for the family in so many ways.
The Mikels’ Story
Ten years ago, Kathy and Mark’s daughter, Kelsey, died as a result of a car accident at age 16. The Mikels made the generous and potentially lifesaving decision to donate her organs and tissues at Elkhart General.
Four people received Kelsey’s organs, including then-2- year-old Audrey Babcock of Greenwood, Indiana, who received a kidney. On Thanksgiving Day, Audrey and her family will honor Kelsey and her gift of life by participating in the annual “I’m Thankful Four” run/walk event in Nappanee. Through the Kelsey Mikel Memorial Foundation, proceeds from the event fund scholarships for students at NorthWood High School, the school she attended.
One-of-a-Kind Portrait to Honor Kelsey
Each year, the Donate Life Rose Parade float includes floragraph portraits of individuals from around the country who’ve given the gift of life through organ or tissue donation. The intricate portraits are made exclusively of all-natural materials like seeds and crushed flowers. Beacon Health System associates and community members saw the floragraph of Kelsey that will be displayed on the Rose Parade float this year on November 24 and 25. Representatives from the IOPO and the Indiana Lions Eye Bank were on hand to answer questions about organ, cornea and tissue donation during the events.
To learn more about organ donation or to register as a donor, visit http://www.iopo.org/.
