San Diego is preparing to honor a remarkable legacy—one defined by compassion, generosity, and a life that continues to inspire far beyond its heartbreaking end. The story of four-year-old Drew Wilson-Chan is not only a testament to the boundless love of a child but also a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that organ donation can have on families and communities. As anticipation builds for the 2026 Rose Parade, Drew’s spirit will be celebrated on a national stage, ensuring his light continues to shine for years to come.
Drew was widely adored for his joy, boundless energy, and his unmistakable desire to connect with everyone around him. His parents, David and Sabrina, remember him as a child who carried an extraordinary ability to brighten any room. He approached life with an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love for people—qualities that defined his short but deeply meaningful life.
“Drew loved connecting with people so much that during our drives to school, he would insist I roll the window down so he could shout ‘hi’ and wave,” his father David recalled. “And he did not just say it—he really yelled it. That was his spirit.”
However, in the summer of 2022, the Wilson-Chan family faced an unimaginable tragedy. Drew drowned in a swimming pool, a sudden and silent loss that changed their world in an instant. “He slipped under the water and was gone just like that, absolutely silent,” David said. “We didn’t hear a thing.”
In the midst of deep grief and overwhelming shock, the family faced a heart-wrenching question: Should they donate Drew’s organs? Despite the pain of the moment, the decision quickly revealed a powerful sense of purpose. “It’s the darkest moment you can fathom,” David shared. “But the only thing that could come out of such darkness was the possibility of giving the gift of life.”
Their decision ultimately saved three lives. Working swiftly, Lifesharing, the region’s leading organ procurement organization, identified matching recipients for Drew’s heart and both kidneys. His donations extended even further—his cornea and knee cartilage provided individuals with the chance to see, to heal, and to reclaim a future they once feared they might never have.
“That’s something Drew would have wholeheartedly wanted,” Sabrina said. “Knowing his personality, knowing his love for people, it was the choice that made sense amid the impossible.”
Today, Drew’s legacy is being elevated in a touching tribute that captures both the beauty of his story and the profound impact of organ donation. Lifesharing has selected Drew to be honored on the OneLegacy Donate Life float during the 2026 Rose Parade, one of the nation’s most iconic celebrations watched by millions worldwide. The parade will feature a floragraph, a handcrafted portrait made entirely of natural materials, showcasing the radiance of Drew’s smile and the warmth of his spirit.
For David and Sabrina, creating the floragraph was both emotionally challenging and deeply healing. “I miss his smile so much. He had the biggest, happiest smile,” Sabrina reflected. “Seeing it come to life again in this tribute is something truly special.”
David added, “His smiling face on the floragraph symbolizes vitality, gratitude, and the joy we should all embrace. It reflects the love we have for our children, our families, and the lives we cherish every day.”
As the Rose Parade approaches, the tribute stands as a powerful reminder that Drew’s life continues to resonate. His legacy shines not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in the lives of those he saved—individuals who now have renewed hope, new milestones to reach, and more life to live because of his extraordinary gift.
For the Wilson-Chan family, the journey has been a blend of sorrow, healing, purpose, and reflection. “It’s healing on some level,” David said. “Knowing that part of Drew still lives on and continues to help others is something he would be proud of. His life, in many ways, still continues.”
This story underscores the profound potential of organ donation, reminding communities of the enduring impact of one courageous decision. Drew’s legacy—rooted in love, generosity, and connection—continues to inspire a broader conversation about giving the gift of life, ensuring that his spirit remains an enduring force for good.