The Tatuapé Academics samba school honored the memory of Thiago Arakaki, a fan who tragically passed away in a traffic accident in May 2025. To celebrate his life and encourage organ donation, the school featured a special float at this year's parade showcasing a sculpture of Thiago holding a heart. This heartfelt gesture was designed to inspire generosity among other families considering organ donation.

Thiago's family made the noble decision to donate his organs following his untimely death, demonstrating immense compassion during a difficult time. This act of generosity allowed several others to benefit from new life, and the Tatuapé Academics recognized this by including Thiago's mother and relatives in the parade, who rode on the float to honor his legacy and share their message of hope and kindness.

The parade itself serves as a vibrant and emotional celebration of life and community, emphasizing that even in moments of sorrow, there can be profound acts of kindness and inspiration. The Tatuapé Academics aims not only to celebrate samba and culture but also to promote a social message about the importance of organ donation, encouraging others to think about how they can contribute positively to society even in the face of personal loss.