New mission for family of face transplant donor

OneLegacy is one of dozens of nonprofits nationwide designated by the federal government to help coordinate organ donations. The Helfgot family lived for years in Los Angeles, and a company Josesph Helfgot started in 1985 is today one of Hollywood's leading market research firms.

The e-mail form Susan Whitman reads in part:

"Joseph Helfgot's life and legacy will be honored on the Donate Life Float in the Rose Bowl Parade New Year's Day, 2010. Our family will be in Pasadena to commemorate this important event and help spread awareness about organ donation. This year's float depicts a phoenix rising from the ashes--a fitting metaphor for this child of holocaust survivors who became the first man in the United States to donate his face in a life giving act of justice.

In Massachusetts alone, less than 50% of eligible donors have signed organ donation cards. This float will help bring the plight of those awaiting organs to the more than 20 million viewers world wide."

Whitman's e-mail directs readers to OneLegacy's site for donations.

Her e-mail concludes:

It is too late for Joseph, and for many others. But your gift may help save one more life. We are honored by Joseph's many friends who have already honored his memory and wish you and yours a very blessed and peaceful New Year in 2010.