FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Warm hugs, gentle smiles, and watery eyes filled the room at UCSF Fresno on Friday morning.<\/p>\n
“Patrice lived as a nurse with her whole heart, and in death, she gave life. That is the definition of legacy,” Robb Smith said.<\/p>\n
Friends and family members of the late Patrice Sanders gathered for a very special announcement by Donor Network West.<\/p>\n
A portrait, known as a “floragraph,” will be displayed on the 2026 Donate Life float at the 137th Rose Parade honoring Sander’s.<\/p>\n
“Her generosity continues today through the donation of her kidneys – saving two lives and through tissue donation, saving many more,” CRMC director of clinical care services Catrina Cullen said.<\/p>\n
She passed away after suffering a stroke in June of 2024, but her spirit has lived on.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Valley Children’s nurse donates organs after medical decline<\/a><\/p>\n Family, co-workers, friends, and patients of Sanders say her contagious energy, compassion, and care were unmatched on and off the clock.<\/p>\n “She didn’t have children of her own, but she poured love into the lives all around her,” Smith said. She built a family wherever she went. She created memories that will live on for generations.”<\/p>\n Everyone who went to the podium said they’re not surprised Sanders continues to be an inspiration to many.<\/p>\n She ended her life as an organ donor<\/a> whose story has impacted more people than we will ever know. The lesson to learn from her life is to be generous and kind in all stages of life.”<\/p>\n And as a big Giants fan, her family was surprised with a custom jersey and special letter from the Major League Baseball Team.<\/p>\n “She will always be remembered as a true giant,” a family said while reading the letter.<\/p>\n Donor Network West says more than 20,000 Californians are on the organ transplant waiting list.<\/p>\n You can see the Donor Network float and the image honoring Sanders this New Year’s Day in the Rose Parade airing on ABC30 starting at 8 a.m.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n