Her son's heartbeat

Her son’s heartbeat

Heart Transplant Meeting_MCM_6049For the last six years, UF Health heart transplant recipient Henry Wyman Harris, 70, has written letters to his donor’s family hoping he would one day meet them and thank them for saving his life. Harris’ organ donor, 19-year-old Jesse Gamble, was a talented artist who dreamed of being a high school art teacher. A drunk driver struck Jesse while he was riding his bicycle home from work. His mother, Lynn Finley, has her home decorated in his artwork, including one unfinished painting of her four cats. After six years of letter writing, Harris got his wish in February to meet Jesse’s family … and Finley got to hear her son’s heartbeat again. Henry and Lynn shared family photos, Jesse’s artwork and hugs and tears. “I’ve been able to do what I want to. Go places, be with the family, and also enjoy the grandchildren, three sons. It’s been amazing,” Harris said. April is National Donate Life Month. For information, visit donatelifeflorida.org.