LIFE MATTERS MEDIA STAFF

A 33-year-old Northern California man checked into a Marysville hospital for what he thought was a migraine. He never left.

Ryan Jessen suffered a ventricular brain hemorrhage and went into a coma, according to family members. The hemorrhage, which doctors said may have been brought on by high blood pressure, would prove fatal.

On Nov. 30 – the day of his death – loved ones gathered at Rideout Memorial Hospital to say goodbye, including his beloved dog, Mollie.

Jessen’s sister, Michelle, posted a video of the reunion on Facebook, along with a brief explanation:

“The hospital did the sweetest thing for us and allowed us to bring my brother’s dog in to ‘say goodbye’ so she’d know why her human never came home. If you knew my brother, he really loved his sweet dog.”

The story went viral, garnering more than 14 million Facebook views.

“Don’t worry about the dog! We’re keeping her!!! She’s part of the family,” Michelle Jesson added.

On Dec. 1, the day after his death, his heart was gifted to a 17-year-old boy.

“As sad as it is to lose Ryan,” Michelle Jessen wrote, “we know his heart is going to bring so much joy to the family of the recipient. I wish Ryan could know what a difference his heart will make for that young man.”