
Amid the steady beeping of the heart monitor, Tammy Bernard and Jeanne Dickman, a heart transplant recipient at UF Health in Gainesville, 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. The moment changed everything.
The very next day, during her appointment with Dr. Juan Vilaro at UF Health Cardiology, Jeanne was handed consent forms for a heart transplant. It was a pivotal moment, one 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 a life-saving surgery—it was the beginning of a brand-new chapter. Under the expert hands of UF Health’s thoracic surgeon Dr. Mark Bleisweis, Jeanne received her new heart. He affectionately named it “Strong Heart,” a fitting tribute to its resilience, both physical and symbolic.
Jeanne was now embarking on a journey of recovery—a journey that would require more than just medical care. It would need a deeper kind of healing, one that touched the mind, body, and spirit.
Jeanne knew she needed more than just physical healing. Reaching out to the Arts in Medicine program, she sought ways to manage the emotional and mental challenges of recovery. Tammy 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, Tammy 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,” Tammy said. “It caught my attention that someone 6 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. Tammy reached out to the Arts in Medicine 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 at UF Health Heart and Vascular Hospital—an ideal space that felt as profound as the ceremony itself.
The ceremony unfolded like a dream. Arts in Medicine musicians Jahirah Williams and Ricky Kendall created a rhythmic heartbeat in the background, setting a meditative, soulful tone for the gathering. Tammy 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 the journey it had taken. 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, Sarah Hinds, and 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, overwhelmed by the love and energy surrounding her, reflected, “Arts in Medicine made a dream come true. 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 Tammy 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 journey of recovery, she does so with a deep sense of gratitude, an open and strong heart, and a renewed sense of strength.
Special Thanks: Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Donna and Mickey Singer for funding the Sanctuary of Wisdom, a place that serves as a beacon of healing and hope for many.