A Change of Heart

Claire Sylvia, a 47-year-old teacher form Boston, was the recipient in a heart and lung transplant operation in 1988. Five days later, she began to notice changes in her personality: she started craving beer and chicken nuggets, food she had previously hated; her favourite colours went from pinks to green and blue; and she began to ogle girls. Over the years, she has become convinced that something far more serious and miraculous was transferred during her operation. When something as vital and integral to life as a heart and lungs are placed into the waiting body of another, what becomes of the donor's memories, dreams, cravings, feelings, essence? Might not some of these be imparted too? The author delivers an account of her experience, and reveals her donor was an 18-year-old motorcyclist.