Complex Nerve Reconstruction Surgery Patient to Ride 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade Float In Support of Organ and Tissue Donation

Author, writer and editor Brianna Majsiak, co-founder of The Breasties, an all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers, has been selected to ride on the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade Float. 

Majsiak underwent surgery to reconnect the nerves cut during her mastectomy to nerves in her reconstructed breast using the Resensation surgical technique by Axogen, a commercial company which develops surgical solutions, including human tissue grafts. 

The company is involved in the science, development, and commercialization of peripheral nerve regeneration and repair technologies. 

Axogen is co-sponsoring the Donate Life Rose Parade float for the 10th year.

Bri Majsiak, who lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just five years old, was concerned about her increased risk of breast cancer. In 2020, at 26, she decided to undertake a prophylactic mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction, according to Axogen, Inc. 

She worried about facing life with a numb chest, a side effect of mastectomy.

In her case, the reconstructive surgical team was able to reconnect the nerves cut during her mastectomy to nerves in her reconstructed breast using Avance Nerve Graft, which uses donated nerve tissue, and Axogen’s Resensation surgical technique. 

Over time, her nerves did regenerate and have restored feeling to her chest.

The Donate Life float will also carry a floragraph honoring Madelyn Nicpon, who like Majsiak was also an Avance Nerve Graft recipient whose life was improved by the gift of nerve tissue donation.

“Madie” Nicpon underwent surgery in 2017 to repair damage to her lingual nerve that occurred when her wisdom teeth were removed. In 2019, she rode on the Donate Life Float during the Rose Parade, and the experience had a profound impact, leading her to become a registered organ donor.

Tragically, Nicpon passed away suddenly in 2021. Her kidneys have altered the lives of two women, and her tissue, bone and nerves will help countless people.

“We support Donate Life and share stories like Bri and Madie’s to help inspire others to register as organ and tissue donors,” Karen Zaderej, Axogen’s chairman, CEO, and president, said. 

“Each donor provides the opportunity to save lives and improve the quality of life for many people.”

Axogen, headquartered in Florida, helps restore peripheral nerve function to patients with physical damage or transection to peripheral nerves using innovative, clinically proven, and economically effective repair solutions for surgeons and health care providers.

To know more about the company, visit www.axogeninc.com.

Donate Life America is a nonprofit organization leading its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissues available to save and heal lives through transplantation, while developing a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility.