Brandy Remembers 17-Year-Old Heart Transplant Recipient

The R&B singer honors teenage fan who recently passed away.

Posted: 06/05/2011 11:52 PM EDT
Filed Under Brandy

A teenage girl Brandy aided in her search for a heart transplant has died less than four months after having surgery. 17-year-old Jessica Harris lived in McComb, Mississippi, which is also Brandy's hometown. In a statement, Brandy and her family said, "Jessica was and will always be an inspiration to our family. In the face of her illness, her courageous spirit and positive outlook gave us memories we will cherish for a lifetime.”

 

Brandy also thanked those who donated money and Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, which carried out Harris’ transplant. Jessica died at a New York hospital last Thursday. Brandy befriended Jessica last year and joined her family in a campaign to raise money for surgery to correct her congenital heart defect. Harris, who suffered from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, was denied medical insurance through her father’s job because she was deemed to have a preexisting condition.

(Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Related Topics

Comments

African-Americans on Forbes Most Powerful Women List 2013

See where Michelle Obama, Oprah and others rank. 05/23/2013

The 411 on Seasonal Allergies

What you need to know about allergies. 05/22/2013

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Jaden Smith Goes to Dinner in London

Plus pics of Rita Ora, Janet Jackson, MJB and more. 05/24/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013