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Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Rose Dedication on 2020 Donate Life Rose Parade Float Contact Name: Kristina Sparacino Contact Email: kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com Contact Phone Number: 3524272108 Lakewood Ranch, Florida – December 26, 2019 - Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) is pleased to partner with LifeLink of Florida to honor and remember those who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. On January 1, 2020, the Donate Life Rose Parade® Float titled, Light in the Darkness, will include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital CEOs across the country including Andy Guz, CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Dedications celebrate transplant recipients and living donors, honor deceased donors, and thank individuals and groups who support and take part in the donation and transplantation community. Andy Guz shared, “With this rose dedication, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center publically recognizes our staff’s dedication and commitment to organ and tissue donation. We are honored to be part of this celebration of life watched by millions on New Year’s Day.” Since its debut on New Year’s Day 2004, the Donate Life Rose Parade float has become the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people to become organ and tissue donors. In addition to the 40 million viewers who watch the Rose Parade on TV and along the parade route, hundreds of events are held in cities and towns around the country to complete the “floragraphs” (floral portraits) of donors that adorn the float. Dedicated roses placed by donor families, transplant recipients and candidates, hospitals, transplant centers and organ, tissue and eye recovery organizations nationwide create floral jewels that ornament the base of the float. Each dedicated rose is placed in a vial that carries a unique, personal message of love, hope and remembrance, and honors donors, recipients, and others who have been touched by organ and tissue donation. For the thousands of Floridians listed for a life-saving transplant, organ donation offers hope for a longer life. Light in the Darkness is a theme that speaks to the gift of hope that organ, eye and tissue donation provides to donors, families and recipients. Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age or medical history; a single donor can save eight lives through organ donation and improve the lives of nearly 75 people through tissue donation. Visit www.DonateLifeFlorida.org to register your donation decision. You may also register when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or state identification card. ### About Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (lwrmc.com) Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the hospital of choice for many families in the Manatee/Sarasota region. Since it opened in 2004, the hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. The Gold Seal of Approval is recognized across the nation as a symbol of quality that shows the hospital's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center have access to a medical staff of more than 600 physicians and allied health professionals who practice in a comprehensive range of specialties and use the hospital's advanced medical technology. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital is not liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. MEDIA CONTACTS: Kristina Sparacino, Director of Marketing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com About LifeLink of Florida LifeLink of Florida is the non-profit, community service organization which coordinates organ and tissue recoveries on the west coast of Florida. To learn more visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org or call 800-262-5775. About Donate Life America Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America manages and promotes the national brand for donation, Donate Life, and assists Donate Life State Teams and national partners in facilitating high-performing donor registries; developing and executing effective multi-media donor education programs; and motivating the American public to register now as organ, eye and tissue donors. About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual and a variety of accompanying events. 935 volunteer members of the association will drive the success of 130th Rose Parade themed “The Melody of Life,” on Tuesday, January 1, 2020, followed by the 105th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.