Tissue Recipient Miren Ivankovic Selected as the 2016 Donate Life Rose Parade Float Rider

Miren would not be active today and enjoy the quality of life he has, if it were not for another person making the decision to become a tissue donor. Miren was an avid runner for many years, competing in the South Carolina Grand Prix Circuit. Eventually, he developed arthritis in both hips and ultimately suffered pelvis damage in 2005. At that time he underwent a series of bone grafts to repair the impairment. Since his surgery, he has continued an active lifestyle, playing tennis and running as often as he can.

A member of "Team South Carolina", Miren competed in several events last year at the 2014 Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Houston, TX. He won gold medals in the Virtual Triathlon - Overall Tissue Recipient, 5K Run - Overall Tissue Recipient, 5K Run - 40-49 Male Age Group, 5K Cycling, 20K Cycling, and Track & Field - 1500 Meters. He also won a silver medal in Swimming - 500 Meters.

As a professor, Miren tells his successful transplantation story to each of his classes every semester. That translates to hundreds of students learning about donation and transplantation each year. He is also active on social media promoting organ, eye and tissue donation awareness.

Miren would not be active today and enjoy the quality of life he has, if it were not for another person making the decision to become a tissue donor.

"The cause of organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives. It for sure allowed my orthopedist to repair my very damaged pelvis," states Miren. "Donation is amazing. It is a true act of giving."