Donor's life inspires family's effort

The Telegraph | Jess Charlton
Photo: From left, Ray and Eleanor Hess and Eleanor's parents, Larry and Vivian Lefferts, hold a picture of their late son, John. The Lefferts have put on the fireworks display in Alton since 1998. Vivian is riding in this year's Tournament of Roses Parade in honor of her son's donor cause.
 

ALTON - Eight years ago, Vivian and Larry Lefferts experienced the unimaginable, unexpected loss of their 22-year-old son, John, due to an aortic aneurysm.

Vivian, a local woman, born and raised in the area, has been chosen by Gift of Hope to represent them in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2013, in Pasadena, Calif.

The Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network is a not-for-profit organization that has been participating in the Rose Parade for the past 10 years. It coordinates organ and tissue donations and is devoted to helping bring awareness in the Illinois and northern Indiana area.

This year, there will be 32 riders and 72 floragraph portraits of deceased donors, who will always be remembered.

Vivian Lefferts is among the riders. The parade theme this year will be called "Oh, The Places You Will Go." The float Vivian will participate on will be titled "Journeys of the Heart."

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