Floragraph in Rose Parade to honor West Seattle boy

Tomorrow at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, you are invited to a special event in honor of organ donors, including a boy who died 20 years ago. Joshua Thomas Waleryszak was just 12 when he lost his life to complications related to developmental disabilities. His parents donated his kidneys and liver. Joshua’s father Tom died this past October and was also an organ donor.

At the event tomorrow, Joshua’s mom Judy Waleryszak of West Seattle will finish a floragraph in his honor that will be part of the Donate Life float “Light Up the World in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day 2014, and you’re invited to come show your support. Never heard of a floragraph? It’s explained as “a portrait representation of an individual, made of seeds and other organic material.” Joshua is one of 81 donors to be honored by the float, which will feature riders and marchers including 30 organ/tissue transplant recipients and 12 living organ donors.

The event tomorrow (Thursday, December 12th) will be at Forest Lawn’s funeral home at 30th/Sylvan, 5-7 pm. It will be followed by another event with an open public invitation, Forest Lawn’s annual holiday remembrance ceremony, a chance to honor those who died in the past year, featuring grief expert Dr. Darcie Sims.

5 Replies to "Floragraph in Rose Parade to honor West Seattle boy"

  • Elizagrace December 11, 2013 (2:19 pm)

    I am so glad Joshua will be honored and am sad to miss this event.
    We will be thinking about you Judy!
    -Blake and Eliza

  • Laurie December 11, 2013 (2:49 pm)

    What a special and generous family. The world needs more lovely people like you! Thank you.

  • JanS December 11, 2013 (2:51 pm)

    I just want to thank the family for thinking to donate their loved one’s organs. It gives another person a chance at life. I was the recipient of a donated kidney from a deceased donor this past June…and I feel like I am blessed.

  • alittlebirdtoldme December 11, 2013 (5:34 pm)

    Judy, What a beautiful honor. The Rose Parade float will be extra special with your contribution in Joshua’s memory. And how generous for him and Tom to be organ donors. Bless you, Judy.

  • Alyson December 12, 2013 (10:02 am)

    Thank you Judy and Tom for finding the strength to bring decades of life to others during your own loss and for Judy, hugs and healing tonight as both your men watch over you.
    Aunt Aly

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