Kaiser Permanente members and clinicians will also walk with and ride on the float, celebrating the float’s theme of “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years.”
PASADENA, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente is introducing the participants for its 2025 Rose Parade® float, “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years.” These Kaiser Permanente members, care teams and representatives from Special Olympics Southern California will stand on and walk alongside the float during the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2025.
Many of the participants have inspiring stories of how the “Best Day Ever” — this year’s parade theme — is possible when physical, emotional, and mental health are aligned.
As the official health partner of Special Olympics Southern California, Kaiser Permanente has supported the nonprofit organization and its events for more than a decade. SOSC provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Kaiser Permanente conducts no cost health screenings for SOSC athletes and has provided medical care to more than 2,000 SOSC athletes. Kaiser Permanente has also recruited more than 400 volunteers to participate in SOSC events, helping ensure positive experiences for athletes.
Reflecting the theme “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years,” the float symbolizes a day of healthy living. It features a sun at one end and a moon at the other, with various healthy activities in between. The float includes depictions of nutritious foods and physical and mental wellness activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Kaiser Permanente’s 19th Rose Parade float celebrates how Kaiser Permanente care teams empower members and communities to live their best, healthiest life every day.
The float’s sun is adorned with yellow strawflowers, white rice and gold clover seeds, accented by yellow button mums in the shape of stars. A flowing rainbow element spans the float, made of carnations in bright hues of yellow, orange, peach, white, hot pink, green and lavender. The moon is decorated with white rice, gray lettuce seeds and white button mums, surrounded by stars.
The rest of the float is a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, including lavender roses; green springeri; bright yellow and orange roses; colorful fruits, including grapes, melons and apples; vegetables such as red bell peppers, carrots and cabbage; and floral arrangements of gladiolas, mums and moss.
The float stands 28 feet tall, 18 feet wide and 55 feet long, with the sun and moon elements each measuring 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Wynnelena Canio, MD, is a geriatrician and psychiatrist for Kaiser Permanente. She is chief of geriatric medicine at Kaiser Permanente’s San Rafael Medical Center, and the dementia care clinical lead for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. Inspired by childhood experiences accompanying her grandparents to doctor’s visits, Dr. Canio pursued a career focused on older adults. She is proud of her work to advance programs like senior surgical care and dementia care models at Kaiser Permanente. Her efforts have earned recognition from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who appointed her to the California Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force. Dr. Canio values Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to preventive care and evidence-based medicine, which enables her to treat patients holistically. For her, the “Best Day Ever” theme reflects the satisfaction of helping patients thrive through healthy aging.
Jessica Haayer is a Kaiser Permanente member who received the unexpected diagnosis of brain cancer in 2023 while on her way to coach a basketball game. Dr. Ali Jamshidi performed surgery to remove the tumor, and Haayer recovered while undergoing radiation therapy. For Haayer, the “Best Day Ever” theme is a testament that every day is a gift. As a physical education teacher, she emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and healthy living with her students, encouraging them to make wellness a lifelong habit. Haayer credits her physical activity and mental strength for her survival. Staying active throughout her cancer treatments helped her persevere. She is honored to participate in the 2025 Rose Parade as a way to express her gratitude to Kaiser Permanente for the care and support that helped her through this life-changing experience.
Christopher Hogan has been a Kaiser Permanente member for 35 years. As an avid cyclist, Hogan embraces each day with joy, health and positivity. He deeply values the high-quality care Kaiser Permanente provides. Hogan was first introduced to Kaiser Permanente care after suffering a severe face injury when he was 20 years old. Over the years, Hogan has received treatment for high blood pressure, a foot injury, and prostate and renal cancer. Kaiser Permanente has been with him every step of the way, through multiple surgeries, radiation and years of recovery. Hogan remains focused on his health, using exercise and mountain climbing to regain strength and mental clarity. Now cancer-free, he is driven by a sense of purpose to inspire others to live their healthiest lives. He credits Kaiser Permanente not only for its top-notch medical care but also for unwavering support that helped him overcome challenges. Hogan is honored to be a part of the 2025 Rose Parade and is excited to share the same positive energy and inspiration he received from his Kaiser Permanente care team.
Ali Jamshidi, MD, is a board-certified neurological surgeon for Kaiser Permanente, specializing in skull base surgery. Dr. Jamshidi played a pivotal role in the life-saving treatment of Jessica Haayer, a Kaiser Permanente patient who was diagnosed with a grapefruit-sized brain tumor in 2023. Dr. Jamshidi conducted an awake brain surgery, also called an awake craniotomy, allowing Haayer to provide live feedback during the eight-hour procedure to ensure the tumor’s safe removal without damaging critical brain structures. Following the successful surgery, Haayer recovered while undergoing radiation therapy. Her journey has been a testament to her strength, her discipline and the compassionate care she received from Dr. Jamshidi and the team at Kaiser Permanente, who continues to work tirelessly to advance the treatment of neurological conditions. Dr. Jamshidi will ride with Haayer on the Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade float.
Brian Kurose, MD, is a primary care and sports medicine physician for Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Kurose is a member of the Special Olympics Southern California Regional Leadership Council and the medical officer for the SOSC San Diego region. Dr. Kurose also serves as physician lead for Kaiser Permanente’s San Diego Sports Medicine Program and is the team physician for the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club and San Diego Sockers professional soccer teams. Dr. Kurose believes the “Best Day Ever” Rose Parade theme mirrors his own dedication to helping patients and athletes pursue a healthy life. Passionate about evidence-based medicine, he emphasizes the importance of physical activity for maintaining overall health and is committed to providing high-quality care for his patients. Participating in the 2025 Rose Parade is particularly meaningful to Dr. Kurose as it marks his birthday and the 25th anniversary of his debut in the Rose Parade as a high school drumline musician — a moment he describes as “magical.”
Zoe Lahanas is a Kaiser Permanente member and a track and field athlete for the University of California, Berkeley. Lahanas has overcome countless challenges in her athletic career, including recovering from ACL surgery and pushing through the intense physical and mental hurdles that come with Division I college athletics. Her time playing sports has taught her the value of resilience and perseverance, qualities that have shaped her both as an athlete and as an individual. For Lahanas, the “Best Day Ever” theme resonates deeply — her best days are spent out in nature. She especially loves hiking in Yosemite with her family. Lahanas is grateful that her body allows her to fully appreciate these experiences, and she values how Kaiser Permanente has consistently provided accessible, high-quality care, helping her stay healthy and continue her athletic pursuits. Participating in the 2025 Rose Parade is an honor for Lahanas, as it offers her the opportunity to express gratitude for her support system and the many people who have helped her along the way.
Evita Limon-Rocha, MD, is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist for Kaiser Permanente. She is bilingual and dual board-certified. Dr. Limon-Rocha is deeply committed to improving mental health care access, particularly in Spanish-speaking and underserved communities. She supports initiatives that increase diversity in the health care profession and works with various organizations to reduce stigma around mental health care. Participating in the Rose Parade is a dream come true for Dr. Limon-Rocha, who grew up watching the event and never imagined she would one day be part of it. Her passion for physical activity and wellness supports her role as a dedicated physician, family member and community leader. She fosters connections and promotes overall well-being for her patients and the people in her community.
Sherryann Taylor-Santos, MD, is an ob-gyn for Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Taylor-Santos is a passionate advocate for maternal health, particularly for Black families. As the lead for the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative and its ob-gyn quality improvement chair, Dr. Taylor-Santos is dedicated to improving care for families in the Antelope Valley, located in northern Los Angeles County, California. Dr. Taylor-Santos prioritizes wellness in her own life through running, weightlifting and yoga, and she encourages her patients to prioritize wellness as well. For Dr. Taylor-Santos, the “Best Day Ever” theme embodies gratitude for good health and the opportunity to make a positive impact on her patients’ lives. She is honored to participate in the 2025 Rose Parade.
Bob Willard is a Kaiser Permanente member and Army veteran. When Willard joined the military, he followed in the footsteps of his parents and paternal grandparents. His military career included deployments to the Republic of Korea and Vietnam and an assignment at the Pentagon. Willard’s expertise and commitment to public service culminated in an appointment to the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science during former President Bill Clinton’s administration. Willard has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for 54 years and has three children. At 80 years old, Willard has battled health challenges throughout his life, including heart problems, prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Throughout it all, Willard has remained resilient, finding strength in the support of his family and the medical care provided by Kaiser Permanente; he has been a member since 1998. For him, the “Best Day Ever” is any day he gets to spend time with his kids and grandkids, and he is grateful for each day he is given. He is excited to be a part of the 2025 Rose Parade.
Carrie Zaragoza is a coach and volunteer for Special Olympics Southern California. She supports the Pasadena Ducks, a Special Olympics team that competes in bowling, soccer, aquatics and basketball. She embraced her coaching role after her son’s first competition with the team. He won a gold medal in bowling. She was inspired by the kindness and support shown to her son, Chris Zaragoza. Overcome with pride and emotion, she knew she wanted to give back by coaching. Zaragoza loves witnessing the remarkable talents of athletes with disabilities. They often face challenges but shine brightly in competition. Because of her involvement, she has become more active and spends more treasured time with her son. Zaragoza and her son will both ride on the 2025 Rose Parade. For Zaragoza, coaching her son’s team has been an incredible and rewarding experience, and being in the parade is a dream come true for her and her son.
Chris Zaragoza is a Special Olympics Southern California athlete who competes in bowling, bocce, soccer, basketball, softball and floorball. He is also an athlete coach for softball. Zaragoza was born with microtia and deafness in his right ear. His Kaiser Permanente care team members have provided Zaragoza with life-changing care. They gave him a bone-anchored hearing aid for his hearing and glasses for his vision. They have also helped him manage his asthma. Staying active has been key to Zaragoza’s health, and Special Olympics Southern California has provided ways to help him thrive. Zaragoza is thrilled to ride on the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade float with his mom, Carrie Zaragoza. This opportunity is a dream come true for both of them.
Nolan Chang, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and the executive vice president of strategy, corporate development and finance for The Permanente Federation. He is also the medical director for business management for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. As a board member for Special Olympics Southern California, he is committed to promoting inclusion and supporting athletes who have intellectual disabilities. He is passionate about building long-term relationships with patients and communities and believes physical activity is essential for overall wellness — both physical and mental. He enjoys using physical activity as a way to connect with others. Dr. Chang is excited to represent Kaiser Permanente in the Rose Parade.
Sasha Cruz is a Special Olympics Southern California athlete and Global Messenger for SOSC who has excelled in swimming, softball, bocce and bowling. At the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, Cruz won a silver medal in the 100-meter freestyle swimming competition. Cruz is passionate about the power of sports to build friendships and create inclusive environments and is a member of the SOSC Athlete Leadership Council. Outside of sports, Cruz attends college and enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Nala. Cruz is excited to represent Kaiser Permanente in the 2025 Rose Parade and says it is a dream come true, as she would watch the parade on TV as a child.
Troy Horton is an athlete with Special Olympics Southern California. Known for his enthusiasm, Horton thrives on motivating others and striving for his personal best, guided by the Special Olympics athlete’s oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Horton cherishes the friendships and experiences he has gained through Special Olympics Southern California, including the opportunity to win a silver medal in bowling. He maintains his physical and mental well-being by staying active through sports and eating healthy foods. Horton is excited to walk with Kaiser Permanente’s Rose Parade float, as it promotes a priority of his: healthy living. Horton will be accompanied by his mother, Susie Horton.
Krystal Johnson has been an athlete with Special Olympics Southern California for 23 years. She has earned multiple medals in Special Olympics World and USA games, including two bronze medals in tennis at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi and gold and silver medals in the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Johnson is passionate about maintaining her physical fitness, and it has been an important part of her recovery after suffering an illness for which she was treated by doctors and nurses at Kaiser Permanente. When Johnson thinks about the parade theme “Best Day Ever,” she thinks about competing in Abu Dhabi, where her dedication to practice and healthy habits, like staying hydrated and maintaining a positive attitude, helped her win medals. Johnson is thrilled to be a part of the Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade float to celebrate health and fitness.
Chevon Littman is a manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Member Services in Corona, California. She’s also a passionate advocate for health and wellness. Littman is grateful for the high-quality care she and her children have received as members of Kaiser Permanente, and she is dedicated to her own health journey, focusing on nutrition, physical activity and mental well-being. Littman recently began volunteering with Special Olympics Southern California after being inspired by the athletes’ excitement and determination. She is an avid walker and weight lifter, and she uses digital platforms to support her mental health. Littman is excited to be a part of the 2025 Rose Parade and feels strongly connected to its theme of “Best Day Ever.”
Robert Wittal is a Special Olympics Southern California athlete who competes in bocce, bowling and golf. Wittal has earned recognition for his skills and sportsmanship in each of these sports and for demonstrating determination and perseverance. Wittal is autistic and views staying active as a key part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. He is excited to walk with the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade float alongside his mother, Joyce Wittal.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade, presented by Honda; the Rose Bowl Game®, presented by Prudential; and a variety of accompanying events. The association’s 935 members supply more than 80,000 volunteer hours, which will drive the success of the 136th Rose Parade, themed “Best Day Ever” on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, followed by the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game, presented by Prudential. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com, like the Rose Parade page on Facebook, follow Rose Parade on Instagram, or subscribe to Tournament of Roses on YouTube.