Honoring Francine

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A Tragedy Happened

On August 6th, 2019 Hanah and John Blakely were raising 5 children, preparing for the start of the new school year just days away. This family of 7 was an active, happy bunch.   On August 10, 2019, they became a family of 6. Instead of helping their 10 year old daughter pick out clothes for her first day in the 4th grade, they were picking out a dress to bury her in.  Francine was unable to survive injuries sustained just days earlier in a car accident, all tests indicated brain death, the little girl would not recover, her parents would not be bringing her home.  Incredibly, in the midst of their grief, anger, and disbelief they decided to honor their always helpful little girl by giving the gift of life to others in need, and gave permission for 10 year old Francine Salazar's organs to be taken for donation.  

Francine dreamed of becoming famous on YouTube or TikTok. She filmed short videos, showing off dance moves she learned from watching her favorite social media stars.  Francine’s dream did come true. She has a YouTube video that has been viewed more than ten million times.  The day Valley Children's Hospital removed Francine from life support, and prepared to take her to surgery to donate her organs; they did something they had never done before. They gave Francine an Honor Walk. 

On August 7, 2019, Hanna Blakely picked up her children from their different activities and sports and decided to surprise them with a trip to get ice cream before heading home.  She wanted to treat the kids and celebrate the start of a new school year.  All 5 of her children were with her in the family minivan when the driver of an SUV blew through a stop sign at 60 mph and slammed into the passenger side of the minivan.  10 year Francine Salazar was in the rear passenger seat. 

Recounting that day, Blakely said she immediately knew something was very wrong with her daughter Francine.   “She was completely silent, and to me, her head looked unstable”  she said. 

CPR was started at the accident scene and Francine was transported to Valley Children's Hospital.   Despite the efforts of doctors there, Francine could not recover, and every test performed indicated brain death.  Despite the crippling grief they were feeling, Francine’s parents made the difficult decision to donate her organs.  They considered what kind of person their little girl was,

“She was sweet, selfless, and kind to everyone.  She was a helper, she wanted to help her friends and family."  

They decided Francine would approve of their decision to help others. 

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Francine's Honor Walk

August 10th, 2019 The doctors and staff at Valley Children’s Hospital did something for the very first time. They held an “Honor Walk'' for Francine Salazar.  Doctors, nurses, hospital staff and family lined the hallways to honor the little girl and her gift of life to the people who would receive her organs.  Francine was wheeled to the operating room, through hallways lined with people. Passages were read, and tribute paid to the 10 year old.  Her mother braided her hair for the last time before her daughter was taken into the operating room.

“We wanted to donate her organs to help other kids; to help them to continue to make memories with their families; Francine was a generous, loving kid.  She always helped people.  I knew in my heart she would be super happy and proud," her mother explained.

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‍Francine's Legacy

‍“Francine has changed the world in her 10 years.  She has made a difference for generations and people throughout the world”,  said Beverly Hayden-Pugh, senior vice president, Valley Children’s Hospital.

In 2021, Francine was honored with a floral portrait sculpture to be part of the Donate Life Float in the 2021 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.  Francine's image from the parade was put on display at Valley Children’s Hospital. The floragraph was displayed in the Guild Hall of Fame.  Her parents were there to cut the ribbon on the display and to share some words with those who were attending the ceremony.  

“Today is the two year death anniversary of Francine.  Above all, we are grateful that our daughter's legacy is still remembered and honored.  My daughter Francine was a ten year old beautiful, bright, generous soul”,  her mother said to the gathered crowd.  She then went on to share a light hearted letter from one of her daughters best friends.  “Dear Francine, I just wanted you to know how much I miss you.  I will always remember you.  I will always remember you stealing my nutella sandwiches at school.  I remember your sweet smile”.  

Francine, along with 20 other deceased donors was further recognized in a televised special on New Year's Day 2021 as part of events surrounding the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade. The special memorialized each donor and honored donation healthcare professionals.  Her family said they are humbled that their daughter was chosen to be honored, “We miss her every day, we know we made the right decision to donate”,  they said.  

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Gift of Life

Today in the California County where Francene Salazar lived there are 364 people that are waiting for an organ transplant, according to Donor Network West.  If an organ match isn't found in state, the organs are offered regionally, then elsewhere across the country.   Francine saved 6 lives and heal 75 others. The lives that continue today are Francine's true legacy.

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You can find out how to become an organ donor here.

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Related Articles

How Organ Donation and Transplantation Works

Ana Lopez's Hero Walk at RWJ University Hospital

A Chain of Life: 10 Person Kidney Donation Chain Meet

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References

Fox 26 News

ABC 7 News

Valley Children's Hospital

About the Author

Monica McCarthy has bachelors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Central Washington University.  A majority of her career was spent as a political consultant.   She currently works at KidneyLuv as a staff writer.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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