(Pasadena, CA) – On New Year’s Day, the memory of 3-year-old Lilyanne “Lily” James of Waretown, New Jersey, was honored during the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a special floragraph tribute on OneLegacy’s Donate Life float — the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ and tissue donation. Lily’s story has touched hearts throughout the Garden State, where her family, friends, and neighbors continue to honor her legacy of compassion and lifesaving generosity.
On July 14, 2022, Lily and her mother, Denise, tragically lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Lily’s father, Craig James, made the selfless decision to donate Lily’s organs so that others could live. Lily’s heart and liver saved the lives of two young boys, and her kidneys gave the gift of life to an adult in need. Through her generous gifts, Lily became a true hero whose legacy continues to ripple outward.
The James family traveled to Pasadena to attend the Rose Parade in honor of Lily, whose floragraph was sponsored by the Sharing Network Foundation and made possible through its Employee Giving Campaign. Reflecting on the experience, Craig shared that his decision to say “yes” to organ donation was guided by love and empathy.
“I put myself in the shoes of a parent whose child was desperately waiting for an organ,” Craig said. “I knew organ donation was the right thing to do — and something Denise would have wanted for Lily, too. Lily’s legacy now lives on through others. Seeing Lily honored on such a global stage was deeply meaningful — and knowing her story continues to inspire people makes it even more special.”
Since Lily’s passing, Craig and his family have been embraced by the Waretown and Ocean County communities, including neighbors, parish members, local organizations, and families across the state who were inspired by Lily’s remarkable gift of life. Many have even chosen to honor her legacy by registering as organ and tissue donors.
PHOTO CAPTION
(Second from left) Craig James of Waretown, NJ, stands beside OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float while holding a tribute floragraph honoring his daughter, Lilyanne “Lily” James, whose organ donation saved multiple lives. Standing with Craig are his wife, Amanda, and his sons Robert and Nicholas. (Photo Credit – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
ABOUT ONELEGACY’S DONATE LIFE ROSE PARADE® FLOAT
For the past 23 years, OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade® float has inspired people worldwide to save and heal lives through the powerful message of organ and tissue donation. The 2026 Rose Parade® theme, The Magic in Teamwork, celebrated the power of collaboration and collective achievement — emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes are made possible when people work together. Organ donation and transplantation depend on this teamwork every step of the way. The float featured memorial floragraphs honoring organ and tissue donor heroes, including Lilyanne “Lily” James. These floragraphs replicate photographs and are created entirely from flowers, seeds, and other organic materials.