Melvin Protzman embraces Mary Grace Hensell, whose son is the donor who gave Protzman a new heart. Submitted photo

Although Mary Grace Hensell’s son, Brian Hensell, died in 2011 at the age of 24, she still can hear his heart beat whenever she visits Melvin Protzman.

Protzman, 70, of Summit Township, was two years into the waiting list for a heart transplant in March 2011 when Allegheny General Hospital called to say they found a match for him. He received his new heart on April 1, 2011, and was tracked down several months later by Hensell.

Protzman, who carries a permanent reminder of Brian Hensell via his heart, he said he will never forget an early interaction he had with his mother.

For information on becoming an organ donor, visit core.org.