Lacey woman to ride organ donation float at Rose Parade

LACEY, Wash. -- Janice Langbehn considers herself an accidental activist. And this year, she is being honored greatly for her efforts.

Langbehn will be on the Donate Life float at the Rose Parade Monday morning. She will ride in honor of her partner, Lisa Pond, an organ donor who died nearly five years ago from a brain aneurysm while they were vacationing. Their story received national attention because Langbehn and their children were not allowed to visit Pond as she passed away in a hospital.

Following Pond's death, Langbehn worked tirelessly to change the laws. President Obama recently revised hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples at hospitals receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid funds. For her efforts, Langbehn received the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal in October, an honor that was awarded to only 13 people this year.

Langbehn is now preparing to honor her partner by riding in the Rose Parade. The Donate Life float will feature dozens of organ donors by displaying giant pictures of the donors that are made of flowers -- known as floragraphs.

"I'm sure it'll be emotional," Langbehn said. "I still miss her. We were together 18 years."

Langbehn wanted Jerry Lawrence, the Florida man who received Pond's heart, to be in the grandstand during the parade. Lawrence was prepared to make the trip, but other health issues, not connected to his heart, kept him from flying.

So he will watch the parade on TV. And Langbehn knows her partner will be watching from above.

"I'm just honored they asked us," she said. "To continue Lisa's legacy."

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45813207/ns/local_news-seattle_wa/

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