The first human heart transplant in the United States was performed 50 years ago at Maimonides Medical Center by Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz.
Dr. Kantrowitz died in 2008 at 90 years old. Maimonides is honoring his legacy and achievements.
His daughter, Dr. Niki Kantrowitz, is also a cardiologist. The hospital gave her a plaque to commemorate her father's accomplishments.
Now, Charles LaRosa, a heart transplant recipient himself, and his wife Francis have been married for 44 years, and they say the groundbreaking procedure has extended their life together. The LaRosas had a chance to meet the younger Kantrowitz during the ceremony.