LifeCenter Sponsors Mother of Chris Henry to Ride the Donate Life Rose Parade Float on New Year's Day

CINCINNATI, Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- LifeCenter Organ Donor Network (LifeCenter), the federally-designated, non-profit organ procurement organization and American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) accredited tissue recovery agency serving Greater Cincinnati today announced its sponsorship of Carolyn Henry Glaspy of Cincinnati for the annual Donate Life float in the Tournament of Roses Parade®.  Carolyn is the mother of former Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver Chris Henry who tragically passed away on December 17th, 2009 after suffering massive head injuries as the result of falling from a moving truck. Henry, who was 26 years-old when he died, became an organ donor and helped four people through the gift of organ donation.  Mrs. Glaspy, who made the decision to donate her son's organs, has seen her son's life-saving gifts come full circle when she met the recipients of his organs in 2010. Since her son's death, Mrs. Glaspy has become an outspoken advocate for organ and tissue donation.

Carolyn will celebrate her son's life and legacy as a donor as one of only 32 other riders from across the country selected to ride the Donate Life float on January 1st. The float, in its 10th year, has become a national tribute to the millions of people touched by organ and tissue donation.   

"It is truly an honor to have Carolyn represent LifeCenter and Greater Cincinnati in the Rose Parade," said Barry Massa, Executive Director of LifeCenter. "Her story is a testament to turning tragedy and loss into hope and encouragement. She honors her son's memory by being an incredible ambassador for donation, and we cannot thank her enough for everything she does to inspire others to designate themselves as organ and tissue donors."

"The pain of losing Chris was indescribable, but through this experience I have come to see that there is a greater purpose in me sharing his story and that is to show people they have the chance to help others who are fighting just to live another day," said Carolyn. "I am blessed to have this opportunity to meet others who have been on a similar journey and to also connect with those whose lives have been forever changed by the gift of organ and tissue donation."

The 123rd Rose Parade themed Journeys of the Heart will take place Tuesday, January 1, 2013, featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands showcasing the best in entertainment. For more information about the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, visit the official float website at www.donatelifefloat.org.

About LifeCenter
LifeCenter's mission is to save, enhance and change lives through organ and tissue donation. LifeCenter is a non-profit organ procurement organization that encourages and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissues for transplantation.  LifeCenter serves a 16-county region within Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.  For more information about LifeCenter, visit www.lifepassiton.org

Media Contact: Andrea O'Malley LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, 513.315.1785, [email protected]

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SOURCE LifeCenter Organ Donor Network