BOBÌåÓý

Amid the steady beeping of the heart monitor, Tammy Bernard, BOBÌåÓý Shands Arts in Medicine practitioner, and Jeanne Dickman, a heart transplant patient at the BOBÌåÓý Heart & Vascular Hospital, began dreaming up a unique celebration.

This wasn’t just any ceremony � it would honor a life-changing journey of resilience, hope and a new beginning.

For nearly a decade, Jeanne lived with heart failure, but she refused to let it define her. Despite the challenge, she filled those years with extraordinary adventures, even hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail.

“I earned a reputation for holding strong, even though my heart was failing,� Jeanne shared, her voice carrying a hint of humor.

But after trekking 35 miles along the trail in December 2023, Jeanne felt an undeniable shift � a sensation that her body was on the brink of giving up.

“My cardiologist later told me my heart stopped for 18 seconds,� Jeanne explained. That moment changed everything.

The very next day, during her appointment with Juan Vilaro, MD, associate professor of medicine in the UF Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jeanne was handed consent forms for a heart transplant. It was a pivotal moment that felt surreal but also full of trust.

“Standing there, I just knew it was time,� Jeanne recalled. “I trusted the team, the care and the process.�

The transplant wasn’t just lifesaving surgery. It was the beginning of a brand-new chapter. Under the expert hands of Mark Bleiweis, MD, professor of surgery and pediatrics in the UF College of Medicine and director of the BOBÌåÓý Congenital Heart Center, Jeanne received her new heart. He affectionately named it “Strong Heart,â€� a fitting tribute to its physical and symbolic resilience.

Jeanne was now embarking on a journey of recovery that would require more than just medical care. It would need a deeper kind of healing that touched the mind, body and spirit.

Jeanne knew she needed more than just physical healing. Reaching out to the Arts in Medicine, or AIM, program, she sought ways to manage the emotional and mental challenges of recovery. Bernard, a certified yoga therapist, was introduced to Jeanne as someone who could guide her in finding peace and strength through mindfulness and meditation.

From their very first meeting, Bernard noticed something remarkable about Jeanne. Despite being only six days post-transplant, Jeanne was already grounded, deeply aware of her body, and fully present.

“Jeanne has a remarkable sense of agency,� Bernard said. “It caught my attention that someone six days out of transplant was so grounded in her body.�

During their first meditation session, Jeanne set a powerful intention for her new heart. As the session came to a close, she shared an inspiring vision: she wanted to celebrate the arrival of her heart in a meaningful way � with a ceremony surrounded by the people who had supported her and made the transplant possible.

“I wanted to honor the heart,� Jeanne explained. “It deserved a proper introduction to my chosen family.�

In just 48 hours, the wheels were set in motion. Bernard worked with the AIM team to organize a heart-centered ceremony that would embody Jeanne’s gratitude and honor the journey of her new heart. The location? The Sanctuary of Wisdom in the BOBÌåÓý Heart & Vascular Hospital, an ideal space that felt as profound as the ceremony itself.

The ceremony unfolded like a dream. AIM musicians Jahirah Williams and Ricky Kendall created a rhythmic heartbeat in the background, setting a meditative, soulful tone for the gathering. Bernard guided the ceremony, leading Jeanne to introduce her new heart to those who had been with her every step of the way.

In a powerful moment, Jeanne’s pastor invited all attendees to raise a hand in unity, welcoming her new heart and honoring its journey. The ceremony was a true celebration of life, connection, and healing.

Guests and staff were then invited to craft clay hearts, creating tangible symbols of support and solidarity. Under the guidance of visual artists Sunita Shepherd and Sarah Hinds, as well as occupational therapy student Daphne Blessing, each person left their mark on this shared experience. Social workers, nursing staff and other team members who had been part of Jeanne’s journey were also in attendance, making the event a true circle of care.

Jeanne was overwhelmed by the love and energy surrounding her.

“Arts in Medicine made my dream come true,� she reflected. “This ceremony was a gift beyond words.�

For Jeanne, the healing process continues, but now, with an unwavering trust in her body and the wisdom it holds. She still feels moments of vulnerability, but the mindfulness techniques Bernard introduced have become her “invisible toolbox� � a source of strength she can access whenever she needs it.

“I take those tools with me everywhere,� Jeanne said. “They help me relax, stay present, and find peace through the tough moments.�

As Jeanne moves forward on her recovery journey, she does so with a deep sense of gratitude, an open and strong heart and a renewed sense of strength.

Each February, we celebrate American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease. How healthy is your heart? Complete this quick to get your free personalized report.