Congratulations to all of the Ride of a Lifetime essay contest entrants. Your stories truly represented the theme of the 2006 Donate Life Rose Parade Float - "Life Transformed."

The selected top five essayists were part of the Donate Life float on January 2, 2006. Here are the winners of the Astellas Ride of a Lifetime contest:

• Lyda Kroening of Citrus Heights, California
  Liver Recipient
  
  Until 2003, Lyda Kroening had looked at organ transplantation as an interesting concept rather than a compelling personal call to action. After experiencing mysterious symptoms for months, Lyda's physician diagnosed her with end-stage liver disease and told her that her only option was a transplant. Without warning her whole life changed. "Through the miracle of organ donation", Lyda received a liver, "the gift of life", she wrote in her essay. Now happy and healthy, Lyda helps raise awareness of the need for organ donors so that others can experience the miracle that she did.
  
  Click here to read Lyda's winning essay.
  
  
• America Leyva of Artesia, New Mexico
  Kidney Recipient
  
  When America Leyva was 10-years-old, she had renal failure and began dialysis immediately. After almost two years of dialysis, America was given the gift of a life — a new kidney. Now at age 15, America has a wonderful outlook on her transplantation experience and life, "...now I realize that my kidney transplant changed my whole life for the best," she wrote in her essay.
  
  Click here to read America's winning essay.
  
  
• Avery Livingston of Portage, Indiana
  Kidney Recipient
  
  Avery Livingston was born with VATER syndrome, which consists of an association of vertebral abnormalities, anal atresia, cardiovascular defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal agenesis or dysplasia and limb abnormalities. In March 2000, Avery underwent a kidney transplant with a kidney donated from her father. Though her recovery process has been long and difficult, she is now a happy eighth grader.
  
  Click here to read Avery's winning essay.
  
  
• Nicole Brook Stoe of New Baltimore, Pennsylvania
  Liver Recipient
  
  Nicole Brook Stoe was a healthy 16-year-old until December 3, 1990. After experiencing flu-like symptoms, her skin turned gold. Two days later, Nicole slipped into a coma. Her family was told that she would die in less than 24 hours if she didn't have a liver transplant. After 21 hours had passed, her family's prayers were answered and the physicians found a donor. After her surgery, it was confirmed that Nicole had Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that inhibits the liver from discarding the copper that builds up in it. Following her transplant, Nicole went on to graduate high school and college, got married and is now raising a healthy son of her own.
  
  Click here to read Nicole's winning essay.
  
  
• Kurt Wiltcher of Moselle, Mississippi
  Liver Recipient
  
  When 16-year-old Kurt Wiltcher returned home from volunteering at a Christian camp where he had been dirt boarding and rock climbing, he noticed that his eyes were turning yellow. After numerous appointments with different doctors, Kurt and his family were told that he needed a liver transplant and that he wasn't leaving the hospital without it. Kurt kept high spirits throughout his transplant surgery and recovery process. Now as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA he shares his transplant experience with the students. Kurt also helped create a kids transplant support group and is the editor of their bi-annual newsletter.
  
  Click here to read Kurt's winning essay.
  
  

We want to thank everyone who entered the contest for sharing your story with us. Each entry was truly inspirational.

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