Kimberley Williams-Ibarra was chosen to represent Donate Life California and the DMV as a floragraph honoree on the Donate Life Rose Parade float.
When Kimberley Williams-Ibarra died at age 44 in October, 2010, the Walnut Creek DMV manager donated tissues to save and enhance the lives of others.
Kimberley was "never too busy to stop and answer a question," said Shana Kraft, Senior Motor Vehicle Technician at the DMV office in Walnut Creek. She started to work at there about the same time Kimberley was appointed to be the office manager.
When Kimberley revealed at a DMV office meeting that she had registered as an organ and tissue donor, "I wasn't surprised...she was helpful, that was Kimberley's nature."
Her loss in 2010 was sudden. "It was, 'We will see you on Monday' and then coming in on Monday and finding out she had passed. In my mind, her being an organ and tissue donor was a way she could continue on. She is still out there. We were blessed to be able to know her.”
Jan. 2, that “floragraph” will be one of 72 on the Donate Life America float –“Just Imagine …One More Day” -- in the 123rd Annual Rose Parade on Jan. 2 at 8 a.m. Each portrait represents someone who provided organs or tissues. Williams worked on the portrait at a ceremony at the Walnut Creek DMV office.
In addition to the 72 floragraphs the 55-foot float will have 28 riders representing all donors, transplant recipients, and candidates on the waiting list or organs. San Francisco Fire Department Captain Anthony Robinson, a 2010 heart transplant recipient, will be on board as a representative from CTDN. The float will also carry thousands of roses with personal dedications of love and remembrance in a unique Dedication Garden supported by people around the world.
An organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of 50 others. To register as a donor, go to www.donatelifecalifornia.org or www.donevidacalifornia.org or register at the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or state ID card.