Family of police officer who died in Clinton motorcade will participate in Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day

by PegNews wire

The family of Senior Cpl. Victor Lozada, who died while riding as part of the escort motorcade for Sen. Hillary Clinton, will take part in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade in Los Angeles on New Years Day. His wife Theresa and their four children will ride in a float sponsored by Donate Life America to promote organ and tissue donation; she gave his tissue to help heal up to 50 people.

Press release:

A Dallas, Texas, tissue donor wife will honor her husband and others who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation by being among 26 people riding a special float in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

Theresa Lozada, wife of Sr. Corporal Victor A. Lozada, will ride the Donate Life float in recognition of the thousands of people who donate tissue each year. Theresa’s trip to Pasadena is sponsored by RTI Donor Services, which is one of more than 50 associations across the nation — including recovery organizations, industry partners, transplant centers and transplant recipient groups — supporting the float project.

In February 2008, Victor passed away after having an accident while on duty riding in the motorcade protecting Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Dallas, Texas. He was 49 years old. Theresa and their children discussed donation and decided that it was the right thing to do. “We saw it as a way for him to live on, and we wanted to give someone else a second chance,” she said.

Senator Clinton said, “My thoughts and prayers have been with Theresa and her children since that tragic day in February when Officer Victor Lozada fell in the line of duty. I am deeply moved by the strength and sacrifice of the Lozadas and all our law enforcement families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. I am especially touched by Theresa’s decision to support organ and tissue donation. Her selfless act has provided a lifeline to nearly fifty patients in need, and I hope it will inspire others to do the same. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Officer Lozada’s service than this gift of life.”

The Donate Life Rose Parade float, one of 90 parade floats and units in this year’s “Hats off to Entertainment,” themed parade, will present the theme “Stars of Life” as it symbolizes the importance of donation. Just as entertainment is embodied by stars – from the silver screen to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – people touched by organ, eye and tissue donation are “Stars of Life” – real-life stars who make the gift of life an inspiring story of courage, compassion, hope and renewal.

Victor will be honored by one of 34 floragraphs, artistic portraits created with floral materials, on the “Stars of Life” float, and Theresa is riding the float in honor of Victor.

“The children and I feel it is an honor to go and be their dad’s voice,” Theresa said. “We want to tell others that it’s OK to donate – that there are so many ways you can help at the end of your life. It hurts that he went to Heaven, but it feels good to know that he can help more than 50 people through his gift.”

The 120th Rose Parade, “Hats Off To Entertainment,” will take place at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009. For more information on the “Stars of Life” float, visit the official Web site at www.donatelifefloat.org.

Posted by T.G.