ALTOONA, Iowa — Melissa Nelson, a Bettendorf resident who received a pancreas transplant in 2019, was selected by the Iowa Donor Network to ride the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float in Pasadena, California on Jan. 1.
Nelson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her twenties and nine years into her journey, her blood sugar began dropping faster than her body could manage — making her a candidate for a pancreas transplant.
"Two days after I received my transplant I was given a 2% chance of keeping my my transplant. So that was devastating," Nelson said. She continued to fight post-op and after about a year, was able to start enjoying life again.
"I was able to compete in swimming, track and field, volleyball; it was really a great experience," Nelson said.
Another Iowan, Dominic Ogden of Des Moines, will be honored with a floral portrait on the float. He donated his organs and tissue after passing away in 2020.
Nelson and Ogden's families will have their travel expenses paid thanks to a donation to the Iowa Donor Network by the Gerdin Family Foundation so they can help decorate the float and watch the parade live.
The float theme is intended to celebrate the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Here's a render of what the float will look like:
"It's such an honor," Nelson said. "It gives me an opportunity to continue to share the awareness of organ donation and also to spread my gratitude for receiving a gift as well."