Bride surprised by her late son's heart recipient at wedding
Becky Turney listens to her late son's heart beating inside of Jacob Kilby's chest in Palmer, Alaska, on Friday, July 7, 2017 (Love Adventured).
PALMER, Alaska - A bride was in for a surprise when her groom halted their wedding for a special guest: the recipient of her son’s heart.
Becky and Kelly Turney were celebrating the happiest day of their lives in Palmer, Alaska, but there was one thing missing.
Becky’s son Triston had passed away unexpectedly back in 2015 at the age of 19, the BBC reports.
There was a seat reserved for Triston with a sign that read:
While Triston couldn’t physically attend the ceremony on Friday, Kelly contacted Jacob Kilby of Jamul, California, who was the recipient of Triston’s heart.
Kelly surprised Becky by flying Jacob up to Alaska to stand in as a groomsman. It was the first time Becky had met Jacob.
The emotional meeting was all captured on camera by Love Adventured, including when Becky got to hear Triston’s heart beating inside Jacob’s chest.
Becky later wrote on Facebook, “hands down the best gift... most amazing surprise ever! Thank you for caring for Triston's heart. Thank you for being here! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Becky and Kelly said they hope their story raises awareness about the importance of organ donation.