Eric Miller

Eric Miller was many things, but above all, he was a proud father to his four children. His oldest son, Quentin Miller, said, “You’d never meet somebody so passionate about being a dad.”

With a career as a provider in mental health, Eric had always been a “healer,” his mother, Mary Miller, said. “His life has always been about giving to others and putting others first.”

When Eric’s life ended prematurely due to COVID-19, he was able to continue healing others through donation. He became the first coronavirus-positive heart donor in the United States. Knowing that Eric is continuing to help people provides comfort to his family.

“You know how much donation helps the families of those in need,” Quentin said. “But you don’t realize how much it helps the family that is hurting, too. It’s a terrible thing that nobody ever wanted to happen. But it’s amazing that my dad’s heart is still beating out there.”

Eric’s oldest, daughter Abigail Miller, hopes to invite her father’s heart recipient to her high school graduation and, eventually, her wedding.

“I believe that if the person who has his heart is there, that is part of my father,” she said. “His legacy continues through his organs. I know that his recipient got a nice, caring heart.”