LAS VEGAS -- Sixteen-year-old Aric Brill was shot and killed during a robbery, but his organs are the reason six people are alive today. He is now being honored for selfless act.
Brill is one of 72-organ donors in the nation selected to be part of the Donate Life float in the Rose Bowl Parade. Aric's mom hopes the honor also brings awareness.
"I hope people take a minute and think, 'Hey, all those people donated their organs and all the people riding it have a second chance at life,'" said Karen Brill.
More than 50 million people watching the parade will see the Donate Life float, which features 72-organ donors from around the country. Individual floragraphs made of flowers and seeds will decorate the float, with family members adding the details.
The Brill's finished up the detail on Aric's eyebrows this morning.
Becky Mintz was a heart recipient after a heart attack in 2008. She says while the decision to donate organs is difficult, it can make the difference between life and death.
"Honestly, you wake up and that let's you know you're here because someone else gave you that gift -- non-stop gratitude. It isn't something you say all the time, but you feel it," she said.
The Nevada Donor Network estimates more than 112,000 people in the country are on the transplant waiting list, enough people to fill UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium three times. Many are dying each day while hoping for the right match to step forward.
For every 1,000 people, only seven to 10 of them are eligible to become organ donors, and that's why its important for people to donate.
Aric Brill's murder remains unsolved. If you have any information about his death, contact Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.
