Honoring Gary Through the Sound of a Legacy

When Gary was admitted to Ecumen Hospice, he shared a heartfelt wish; he wanted his heartbeat recorded and paired with music as a legacy for his grandson, with whom he was very close.

Just a few days later, as Gary’s health declined rapidly, the Ecumen Hospice music therapist visited to fulfill that request. During the visit, Gary passed away peacefully while the therapist was present. The family expressed deep gratitude for having his heartbeat recorded before his passing. A meaningful keepsake of his life and love. 

The music accompanying Gary’s heartbeat was later chosen by his grandson and recorded by the music therapist, creating a timeless tribute that captures both sound and sentiment.

What Is a Heartbeat Recording Legacy Project?

A heartbeat legacy project involves recording a patient’s heartbeat and combining it with personally meaningful music to create a lasting memento for loved ones.

This process is led by a hospice board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) who works closely with the patient and family. Using a digital stethoscope, the therapist records the patient’s heartbeat and, if desired, captures messages such as “I love you” or “Goodbye.”

Music can be recorded live at the bedside to allow for emotional connection and reflection, or it can be added later. Once the session ends, the therapist becomes the sound producer, editing, mixing, and synchronizing the music to the rhythm of the patient’s heart. Each project takes several hours and results in a unique, deeply personal recording.

A Personalized, Healing Experience  

Ecumen music therapists Theresa Arlien, MT-BC, and Martha Young, MT-BC, approach each project with compassion and creativity. Every recording is tailored to the patient’s and family’s wishes, ensuring that the finished product truly reflects their bond and story.

The impact of these projects is profound. One spouse shared, “This is a really special memento for our family and who he is,” with plans to play the recording at her husband’s memorial service. Another father, often stoic in his grief, said through tears, “This is so meaningful to me.”

Ecumen’s Values in Action

Each heartbeat legacy project beautifully represents Ecumen’s four core values:

• Honor – Recognizing each person’s life and presence through a tangible keepsake.
• Serve – Supporting both patients and families throughout the dying process and their grief journey.
• Innovate – Using creative and advanced technology to bring comfort and connection.
• Empower – Helping patients play an active role in shaping their end-of-life legacy.

Expanding the Legacy

With the support of Ecumen’s Mission Advancement team, generous donors contributed $1,900 to purchase the first heartbeat recording kit in early 2025. Ecumen is now raising funds for additional kits, so more families across Ecumen Hospice service areas can experience this powerful offering.

If you’d like to help bring this meaningful legacy project to more patients and families, please consider making a contribution today.

Every heartbeat tells a story, and through this program, those stories live on.