Maine Couple Marries in Hospital Hours Before Heart Transplant

The pair said their vows just hours before the groom underwent a lifesaving heart transplant.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a human heart, surrounded by a faint outline of wedding rings, conceptually representing the couple's love and commitment during a medical crisis.A couple's love story is celebrated with a hospital wedding just hours before a lifesaving heart transplant.Boston Today

A Maine couple, Adam Carnes and his partner Salem, were forced to move up their wedding plans when Carnes, a 44-year-old veteran, was told he needed a heart transplant immediately. The hospital staff sprang into action, transforming the meditation room into a makeshift wedding venue complete with decorations, a cake, and a photographer. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by friends, family, and the medical team caring for Carnes just hours before his successful heart transplant surgery.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the power of love and community in the face of a medical crisis. It also shines a light on the critical need for organ donors, as Carnes was one of over 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a transplant, including 3,000 waiting for a new heart.

The details

Adam Carnes, a 44-year-old veteran from Maine, had been living with heart failure since his 20s. In January, his condition worsened, leaving a heart transplant as his only option. When Carnes was told he needed the surgery immediately, the hospital staff sprang into action to help the couple get married just hours before the procedure. The hospital staff found decorations, a cake, and even a barber for the groom. Within hours, the hospital's meditation room was transformed into a wedding venue, with friends and family joining by Zoom to witness the ceremony.

  • In January, Carnes' heart condition worsened, leaving a transplant as his only option.
  • On the day of the wedding, Carnes was told he needed the heart transplant surgery the next day at 10 a.m.

The players

Adam Carnes

A 44-year-old veteran from Maine who had been living with heart failure since his 20s. He underwent a successful heart transplant surgery the day after his wedding.

Salem

Carnes' partner, who married him in the hospital just hours before his heart transplant surgery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was like gobsmacked. Something him and his partner Salem call a miracle.”

— Adam Carnes

“Just gratefulness and gratitude. You know, it is like the yin and the yang of this. They're going through, you know, immeasurable grief. I'm sure losing their loved one. But I think it is their loved one is getting to give this final gift.”

— Adam Carnes

What’s next

Doctors are continuing to monitor Carnes' recovery, and his story highlights the critical need for organ donors in the United States.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story of love and community in the face of a medical crisis serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and the transformative impact it can have on people's lives.