Family’s bond with transplant recipient part of Rose Bowl float

Special to the Telegram

DAVID CITY -- Without knowing what lay ahead for their young children 24 years ago, Milt and Janet Bemis, of David City, were enjoying life with their healthy, active two-year-old son, Matthew, while the family of 14-month-old Lily Allen in Syracuse, N.Y., watched helplessly as their daughter’s liver failed from a deadly cancer.

In an instant, everything changed.

Matthew Bemis tragically drowned at a lakeside barbecue in the summer of 1984.

His parents’ decision to donate his organs gave new life to Lily, who received Matthew’s liver. Matthew was the first liver donor in the state of Nebraska.

Today, the two families have a bond that transcends feelings of grief and loss.

“It’s a bond that will last a lifetime, much like the gift of life that accompanied it,” Allen said. “No one can ever forget Matthew, and the selfless decision his parents made on his behalf.”

That legacy -- the gift of life -- is the subject of a float at the 120th annual Rose Parade scheduled for New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

Matthew and Lily’s story will be celebrated on the Donate Life parade float through the cooperation of the Nebraska Organ Recovery System, University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and Donate Life. Donate Life is an alliance of local and national organizations dedicated to inspiring people to donate life through organ, eye and tissue donation,

Matthew Bemis’ photo will be one of 38 “floragraphs” on a float representing 38 people across the country who became organ and tissue donors.

Lily Allen, who recently was married on the 24th anniversary of receiving Matthew’s healthy liver will be among the 26 organ recipients riding on the float.

Milt and Janet Bemis will travel to Pasadena to take part in the nationally televised parade. The Bemis’ frequently travel throughout Nebraska to speak about the benefits of organ donation.

“Losing a child, a friend, a loved one is extremely difficult,” said Milt Bemis. “Talk with your family now about organ donation and make your wishes known. Celebrating this cause on the Rose Parade float is a beautiful way to educate the public and is a proven way to save thousands of lives.”

Nebraska Organ Recovery System (NORS) is the federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) for Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa. The organization is responsible for the evaluation, recovery, preservation, coordination and distribution of all organs as well as the recovery of bone, tendon, heart valves and connective tissue for transplantation.

Those wishing to learn how to become an organ donor can visit the NORS Web site at www.nedonation.org.