Toddler organ donor Daniel Rios honored at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital floragraph unveiling

At Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, two families stood side by side near a portrait made entirely of flowers, resting on a table just feet away. One family had lost a child nearly a decade ago. The other was raising a child because of him.

OneLegacy hosted the gathering on Dec. 10 to honor Daniel Matthew Rios, a toddler from Victorville, Calif., who became an organ donor at 21 months old in 2016. His floragraph portrait will appear on the 2026 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float, "Treasure Every Moment Together."

Daniel died three months before his second birthday after a tragic accident. In the days that followed, his family made the decision to donate his organs, a choice that ultimately saved four lives.

Vanessa Rios (Daniel Rios' mom) stands with 9-year-old Amaris Freeman, celebrating the gift of life on December 10 at LLUCH.

His heart was transplanted into Amaris Freeman, now 9, who attended the ceremony with her mother, Mariam Freeman. Daniel's liver and pancreas saved a young girl in Washington State, and his kidneys freed two California men from dialysis, including a father of three.

During the ceremony, Daniel's mother, Vanessa Rios, described her son as a joyful, curious child who loved music, dancing, and following his older brothers. She said the decision to donate came during the family's darkest hours, offering a measure of meaning at a time when little else felt possible.

The event brought together donor and recipient families, physicians, nurses, and hospital leaders from Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, many of whom had cared for both children.

Amaris received Daniel's heart before her first birthday. Nearly nine years later, the two families have formed a close bond, marking milestones and Donate Life events together.

For Daniel's family, hearing Amaris' heartbeat serves as a reminder that their son's life continues in another. Daniel would have turned 11 this year.

More than 20,000 Californians are currently waiting for an organ transplant. One donor can save up to eight lives.

Do you feel called to donate an organ? Loma Linda University Health is home to the region's only comprehensive multi-organ transplant center, offering expert care and innovative solutions for patients. Learn more about the Transplant Institute here.