Oklahomans Raise Organ Donation Awareness At Rose Bowl Parade

An organ donation gives people another shot at life. 

More than 100,000 people need an organ today to save their life. One Oklahoma man will get to walk in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena to raise awareness, so others can get their second chance.   

Words can be absent when health is in doubt.    

“The only cure is a transplant,” David Wheelis, the recipient of a liver transplant, said.  

Wheelis thought his health was nothing to worry about.   

“Just all the sudden it changed,” Wheelis said. 

Wheelis was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis; A rare liver disease put his life on hold.   

LifeShare CEO Jeffrey Orlowski said 105,000 people, right now, need an organ transplant.  

“Today, 22 of those people will die without being transplanted,” Orlowski said. 

Tushka, Oklahoma native Morgan Flynn suffered from Cystic Fibrosis.  

“There’s no cure for that disease,” Orlowski said. 

Morgan received two lung transplants but ultimately lost her life.  

“I hope to be like Morgan when it’s my time,” Jolene Vargas, a volunteer for Donate Life, said.  

However, Morgan saved others in the same way others saved her own. After Morgan’s death, she donated her corneas and heart valves.  

David carries a unique story.   

“Most people who get liver transplants get a liver from a deceased donor,” Orlowski said. 

Wheelis’s wife Misti was up for the challenge, donating part of her liver to save him. 

“Two and a half weeks after the surgery we were in Costco,” Wheelis said.  

David will represent Oklahoma in the Tournament of Roses in California to encourage others to offer this gift.   

“The highest honor, and a huge privilege to be able to go,” Wheelis said. 

Forty-four memorial floragraphs, including Morgan’s, will also accompany this journey on a float LifeShare is helping sponsor with Donate Life. A reminder of those who give the gift of life. 

“I’m so, so fortunate,” Wheelis said. 

LifeShare leaders encourage people to become registered donors. It’s also important to talk with family members to make sure a person’s wishes are heard. The 134th Rose Parade takes place on Jan. 2. 

To learn how to become a donor, click here.