‘Forever Grateful:’ Organ Donor’s Family Finally Meets Recipient

Family members who lost their son three years ago heard his heart beat again.

For the first time, Coasie Parker embraced Barbara Edmond, mother of Reginald Mercer. Edmond’s son was the victim of a hit-and-run and lost his life at age 25. Edmond donated five of her son’s organs. Parker received Reginald’s heart.

“That he gave the greatest gift he could give — someone’s life — I can’t top that,” Edmond said. Parker is the latest of 380 transplant recipients at Memphis’ Baptist Memorial Hospital. Learn more about organ donation and the gift of life from Mid-South Transplant Foundation.

– Andrew Douglas, WMC Action News 5