DMV Team Members Recognized for Organ Donation

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Contact: Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657-6437 | [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2025

What you need to know: The DMV held a media event with Donate Life California today to recognize DMV team members who will be honored at the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade for their extraordinary contributions through organ donation.

Sacramento - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today honored two DMV team members for their extraordinary contributions through organ donation. They will be honored during the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on January 1. The DMV held the media event with Donate Life California.

Honoring Loved Ones and Giving the Gift of Life

Raquel Armstrong shared the story of how she donated 60% of her liver to extend her mother's life. Rena Aguirre was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 2016. "Organ donation gave my mother a second chance at life," said Ms. Armstrong. "I encourage everyone to sign up to be an organ donor. It's a simple act, but it carries the power to save lives."

Raquel will walk alongside the Donate Life float during the parade to represent living donors.

Zeida Woods honored her late brother, Carlos Woods, who donated his heart after dying suddenly at 18 years. Earlier in the year of his death, Mr. Woods got his driver's license and checked the box to become an organ donor. "Carlos didn't get the chance to live past 18, but his legacy did," said Ms. Woods. "I am inspired every day by his selflessness."

Her brother's memory was commemorated with a floral portrait, or floragraph, unveiled during today's ceremony at DMV headquarters in Sacramento. Mr. Woods' floragraph will appear on the Donate Life float, titled "Treasure Every Moment Together (PDF)."

"Treasure Every Moment Together" Float

This year's Donate Life float will feature lush florals, great hornbill birds and monarch butterflies, which will symbolize the life that can bloom from organ, eye and tissue donation. Floragraphs of donors will adorn the float, honoring those who have given the gift of life, sight and health.

DMV and Donate Life California

Since partnering with Donate Life California in 2006, the DMV has helped register over 19 million organ, eye and tissue donors. The need for more organ doners remains great. Every day, 150 people are added to the national organ transplant waiting list.

Learn more at Donate Life California's FAQ. To register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, visit donatelifecalifornia.org.

Event Media

• Video highlights: DMV Facebook Live and YouTube channels
• B-roll and interview: Interview with Raquel Armstrong

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