Each year, the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float honors organ, tissue, and eye donors whose generosity has saved and healed lives. The float serves as a national tribute to donors and their families, reminding millions of viewers that donation can create hope even in the midst of loss. Among those honored on the 2026 float was Erik Rushford.
In a final act of generosity, Erik saved lives through organ donation, including a 12 year old child who received his heart. His tissue donations have benefited 143 people. Erik was 22 years old when he became an organ, tissue, and eye donor in 2023. In recognition of his selfless decision, LifeNet Health selected Erik to be honored on the OneLegacy Donate Life float in the 2026 Rose Parade.
Erik’s parents, Christine and Todd, along with his brother Sean, traveled to Pasadena to take part in several days of events leading up to the parade. Their time together included a rose dedication ceremony honoring donors, decorating the float, shared meals, a New Year’s Eve celebration, and watching the iconic parade travel down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day. Christine’s sister and her family also joined them to honor Erik together.
One especially meaningful moment for the family was a performance by a group of band directors from across the United States. They dedicated a song to donor families, an unexpected and deeply emotional tribute. “It was overwhelming in the best way,” Christine said. “It reminded us that Erik was being honored with such intention and care by people who truly understand the importance of donation.”
As time passes, finding ways to remember a loved one can be difficult. The Rose Parade experience gave the Rushfords space to focus fully on Erik. Grief brought tears, but it also made room for joy, laughter, and celebration.
“It felt more like a celebration, and that was so important to me,” Christine shared. “Especially for Erik, who passed through suicide, which often carries its own stigma. Donation helps show that there is so much more to Erik than the way he died. This is about how he lived. Donation helps balance that.”
Another powerful experience took place in the float warehouse, where the family helped read messages written on roses dedicated to donors. Knowing that every message was intentionally read left a lasting impression. “That was probably my favorite part,” Christine said. “The care they take to make sure every message is read shows how intentional they are about honoring donors and the connection families have with their loved ones.”
Christine describes the Rose Parade as the icing on the cake, a life changing experience that continues to open doors for conversations about donation and grief. One such conversation starter is Erik’s floragraph, a portrait created from seeds and organic materials that often sparks curiosity and dialogue. Christine also shares simple advice for supporting those who are grieving. “Just showing up matters,” she said. “Even if what you say feels a little messy, it still means so much to know people care enough to be there.”
In Erik’s honor, Christine and her family created Just Show Up cards to encourage kindness. Each January, the month Erik entered and left the world, the cards are shared with family and friends. Featuring a QR code, they invite recipients to complete random acts of kindness in Erik’s memory and share their experiences.
While in Pasadena, the Rushfords formed meaningful connections with others who understood their journey. Though the parade has passed, the celebration of Erik continues.
“Donation allowed us to talk about Erik,” Christine said. “It has kept him present for people. He still matters, and he is still impacting lives today.”
For her family, donation has been a profound and lasting blessing, marked by compassion, respect, and gratitude.