WHAT:
UT Health Science Center Allograft Resources is hosting the official unveiling of the floragraph memorial portrait of Jorge Fernandez, who collapsed at the 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and later died. He was 32 years old.
The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) has selected Fernandez as one of the individuals to be honored on its 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade Float, which is dedicated to the lives of organ, tissue and cornea donors.
The float will feature a floragraph, which is a floral memorial portrait, of Fernandez. At the Friday event, his family will add finishing touches to the floragraph. It will then travel to Pasadena, Calif., where it will be placed on the 2014 float. The parade is on New Year’s Day.
WHO:
Originally from Cuidad Acuña, Mexico, Fernandez lived in San Antonio. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served two tours in Iraq. He became the first person in his family to graduate from college when he earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University.
He worked as a registered nurse in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital. He was a strong advocate of education, exercise and healthy living. His family said he lived to serve others.
In death, Fernandez’s legacy of service to others continues through tissue donation. To date, five people have had their lives saved or their mobility returned due to his donation.
WHEN:
3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
WHERE:
Lecture Hall 309L, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive. Please enter campus at main entrance on Floyd Curl near Medical. The guard will direct you to parking and give directions to the lecture hall.