YNHH honors organ donor to be represented at Rose Parade

At this year's Jan. 2 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA, a floral portrait of organ donor Jerrell L. Fletcher will be among those gracing the Donate Life float. In 1998, 16-year-old Jerrell died at YNHH following a car accident. His parents, Carolyn and Michael, decided to donate his organs, which helped save the lives of five people. At a Nov. 15 ceremony at the hospital, Jerrell's family and YNHH employees who cared for Jerrell and the organ recipients held a ceremony to decorate the floral portrait. They were joined by some of Jerrell's former classmates from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, current members of the school's football team and choir and many other friends. Jerrell's Notre Dame football coach, Thomas Marcucci, presented Carolyn Fletcher with a special jersey at the event. Said Carolyn, "My heart is beaming to have all of you here."