"To have been chosen and recognized and to be able to go to the Rose Parade and to be a part of it is just really overwhelming," Tanner said.
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On Monday morning at Saint Agnes Medical Center, Donate Life California and Donor Network West, along with several other agencies, held a send-off ceremony.
In the crowd, Daniel Leyba, who said Tanner helped give him a second chance. Seeing her was emotional for him.
"It's like a light in your eye. She is such a light. She gave me my life back," Leyba said. "I owe her my life because, without her, I would still probably be doing dialysis. "
The two met before, but Leyba said he is thankful for her each day. He said he's excited for her to be in the parade.
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Daniel wasn't the only one to get a new kidney at the time. Regina's husband, Cary, needed a kidney, too.
After she decided to donate her kidney to Cary, a chain-reaction occurred, allow for nine other people to receive kidneys, including Daniel.
Cary will go down to Pasadena for the parade -- which will be extra special.
"We are excited to go. My husband and I are going to be celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary when we are down there, so it's going to be a big celebration. It's exciting," Tanner said.