Photo: Jerod Harris / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Lorenzo Beronilla, a heart transplant recipient from Saugerties has been selected to participate in the prestigious Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. Beronilla will ride on the Donate Life Center for Donation and Transplant's float, celebrating the gift of life alongside 11 other transplant recipients.
Beronilla, a popular chef known for his appearances on Epicurious' "4 Levels," received his heart transplant in 2024 after being diagnosed with heart failure. He experienced severe breathlessness and swelling, leading to a diagnosis that placed him on the waiting list for a transplant. On Good Friday of that year, a donor match was found, and Beronilla underwent surgery at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. He refers to March 30th, the day of his surgery, as his "new birthday," marking his second chance at life.
Despite the challenges of managing side effects from anti-rejection medications, Beronilla remains committed to advocating for organ donation. He expressed his honor in participating in the parade, saying, "It's amazing, we're going to celebrate the gift of life." The float will feature 12 riders, including Beronilla, and 29 floragraphs, which are floral portraits of donors.
The Rose Parade, first held in 1890, is a New Year's Day tradition, and the Donate Life float aims to inspire viewers to consider organ, eye, and tissue donation. The parade will be broadcast live on major networks, allowing Beronilla's story and message of hope to reach a nationwide audience.