PATS South-central Representative Wesley Mallicone Honored to be a Part of the Rose Bowl Parade
Pasedena,CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2016 -- The 127th Rose Parade themed “Find Your Adventure,” took place Friday, January 1, 2016, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats. Wesley R. Mallicone, licensed athletic trainer (LAT), Director of Sports Medicine at Shippensburg University, and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) South-central Representative, was selected to represent the “Gift of Life Donor Program” on the 13th Donate Life Rose Parade float.
The Donate Life Float’s Riders, Walkers and Floragraph Honorees represent millions of people touched by organ, eye and tissue donation. As participants, they become family members of the most inspiring float and represent more than 120 million registered organ, eye, and tissue donors across the nation, and the next 100 million who can help save a life.
Mr. Mallicone was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. His childhood seemed to be a healthy one until he began having stomach issues and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at age nine. When he was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PCS) age 13, doctors told him that he would need a liver transplant by the age of 25 in order to survive. He went on to attend Duquesne University and had an amazing college experience while earning his Bachelor’s Degree. After Duquesne, he pursued a Master’s degree at Shippensburg University, worked as a Graduate Assistant and interned for the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, Wesley’s health deteriorated again at age 32, but this time, he was able to receive a liver transplant and now, he is happy and doing what he loves as the Director of Sports Medicine at Shippensburg University.
Dwendy Johnson, Community Relations Team Leader for the Gift of Life Donor Program and the individual who nominated Wes stated, “the Gift of Life Donor Program is honored to sponsor Wes’s trip. Wes truly has inspired people to see how transplantation can give someone a second chance at life. We look forward to seeing him riding on the float and representing Eastern PA.” John Moyer, PATS President said, "The life journey that Wes has experienced as a liver transplant recipient has been very emotional and rewarding. PATS is proud to have Wes as a member of the Executive Board and see him honored by the Gift of Life program."
“This opportunity represents the efforts of so many individuals at Gift of Life and Penn State Hershey Transplant Surgery and many others that have supported me over my lifetime. It represents the selfless act of organ donation by my donor and their family, which I am forever grateful” humbly and affectionately comments Wes Mallicone. Further, Wes commented, “It was an honor, truly an amazing experience to participate as a rider on the Donate Life Float and share the very important message of organ and tissue donation."
Since 1974, Gift of Life has served as the link between donors and patients awaiting life-saving organ transplant and life-enhancing tissue transplants in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. During that time, the program has coordinated more than 38,000 organ transplants and more than 500,000 tissue transplants.
For more information about the Donate Life Tournament of Roses Parade float, visit the official float website at http://www.donatelifefloat.org
It only takes 30 seconds to register as an organ and tissue donor. Register online today at http://www.donors1.org or call Gift of Life at 1-800-DONORS-1 (1-800-366-6771).
The 127th Rose Parade took place Friday, January 1, 2016, at 8 a.m. (PST). Following the parade, the102nd Rose Bowl Game was played featuring a match up between #6 Iowa and #5 Stanford.
For more information regarding this topic or to schedule an interview with PATS President John Moyer LAT, ATC, please contact Linda Mazzoli MS, LAT, ATC, PATS Executive Director at patsexecutivedirector(at)gopats(dot)org
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society, Inc. is a progressive organization of licensed health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. Our society continues to increase public awareness and education regarding Athletic Trainers and the Athletic Training profession while serving as the premier source of information for public safety, injury and illness prevention, early intervention, patient care, and healthcare delivery for the physically active in the Commonwealth.
“The Keystone to a Healthy and Physically Active Life”
Mike Prybicien, District 2 National Athletic Trainers Association, http://www.natad2.org/, +1 (201) 788-2961, [email protected]
Share this article