10-Year-Old Organ Donor Posthumously Honored at Rose Parade

A ten-year-old girl who donated four organs receives honor in the Rose Parade event. Her family had difficulty, but they decided to donate her organs to the people in need after their daughter died in an accident. 

According to "KFSN," Francine Salazar got into an accident in August 2019. She was with her family when she was on her way to get ice cream. Suddenly, a speeding driver crashed into their van after it blew a stop sign. 

The family decided to donate the child's organs

The fifth-grader was moved to a local hospital and died three days later. While they had difficulty at first, her family finally decided to donate her organs to help others in need. Salazar's mom, Hannah, told the "Visalia Times-Delta" that they knew they made the right decision. 

She said they believe that their late daughter is pleased in heaven about their decision to donate her organs to those who need them. The outlet reported that a 40-year-old woman benefited after receiving the child's pancreas. 

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Will be honored for helping dozens of people

Apart from that, three children got saved after receiving the child's heart and kidneys. "PEOPLE" reported previously that donations had helped dozens of people more. Because of that, the girl got a spot in the Rose Parade event. 

Nonprofit Donate Life America will honor Salazar as one of 21 deceased organ donors on New Year's Day. "KFSN" reported that even though the traditional float parade got canceled due to the pandemic, a 25-foot floral installation will pay tribute to the organ donors this year, including Salazar. 

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Happy in heaven

Hannah told the outlet that she is pretty sure her late daughter would be happily dancing around in heaven. She believes that Salazar would be hopping and skipping because she would be on TV. 

Salazar's dad, John Blakely, told NBC affiliate "KSEE" that it is a tremendous honor for their daughter and family. He said that they have mixed emotions because their daughter gave up her life, but she could also save lives. 

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Touched the hearts of many

The bright and bubbly child has touched the hearts of many after Valley Children's Hospital doctors and nurses showed a video of the honor walk for her. Donor Network West Jacqueline Manzanito told "KFSN" that Salazar's story would surely inspire others to give the gift of life. 

The Tournament House in Pasadena will display the sculpture. According to the "Times-Delta," Hannah will be traveling about 200 miles from her home in Visalia to see the statue. She told the outlet that she misses her late daughter every day. 

She also added that she is humbled that her ten-year-old daughter got chosen as a floragraph honoree.