This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Loma Linda Represented in Rose Parade

A man who saved his twin brother's life will represent the Loma Linda University Medical Center Transplantation Institute.

A team of about 20 patients, family members, staff and volunteers from Loma Linda University Medical Center Transplantation Institute gathered in Pasadena on Dec. 29 to help decorate the 2012 Donate Life Rose Parade Float.

Tha float will be showcased at the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

The Donate Life Rose Parade Float’s theme is “One More Day,” embodying the nation’s most visible campaign to inspire people to save and heal lives as registered organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Loma Linda University Medical Center Transplantation Institute is one of the institutions that are sponsoring a rider on the float. John Orta, 18, of Riverside, is this year’s sponsored float rider. He will take his spot alongside 27 other inspirational float riders from throughout the country.

Two years ago, when he was only 16, Orta donated his kidney to his identical twin brother, Jake, who suffered from kidney disease since birth.

Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I feel honored to be representing Loma Linda and the other living donors out there,” Orta said. “I love my brother very much and there is not one minute of regret in my having given my kidney to him.”

Today, Jake does not take medications because the donated kidney from John is identical, and both say they have never felt better.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Redlands-Loma Linda