Signed First Day Cover by LOWER, Richard R. (1930 - 2008) - 1964

Rochester, MN, 1964. unbound. 3.75 x 6.5-inch First Day Cover commemorating the Mayo Brothers, postmarked Rochester, Minnesota on September 11, 1964, with an embossed metallic cachet depicting a physician working in a laboratory. Boldly signed "Richard R. Lower" and "Louis B. Russell" (Heart Surgeon and Transplant Recipient). Near fine condition.<br/><br/> American surgeon and pioneer in heart transplants. He created the Shumway-Lower approach and taught the procedure to Dr. Christian Bernard in 1966, setting the stage for the latter's first successful human heart transplant one year later. On August 24, 1968 Lower performed a heart transplant surgery whereby Louis B. Russell lived for six years with his new heart, longer than any previous recipient.<br/><br/>