Two Acadiana Heroes To Be Honored In The Rose Parade

Lafayette natives Justin Harrison and Laci Taquino, heroes of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), will be celebrated on the Donate Life float, “The Never Ending Story”, in the 2015 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Justin and Laci each gave the ultimate gift – the gift of life – by choosing organ donation.

Justin and Laci were both sophomores at Comeaux High School and were each 15 years old when their young lives ended. Justin and Laci’s families will be in attendance to watch the float travel down Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, CA. The families’ trips to California are being sponsored by Ryan Viator’s Legacy Foundation. Ryan became a LOPA hero when his life ended suddenly in 2000.  All three of these Acadiana families moved beyond their grief and said yes to organ donation despite experiencing terrible tragedy. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Libbie Harrison at 337.349.1574 / lharrison@lopa.org.