Bride Walks Down the Aisle With Man Who Received Dad's Heart
This Bride Walked Down the Aisle With the Man Who Received Her Late Father's Heart
Man Who Received Bride’s Father’s Heart To Walk Her Down AisleICYMI -- ten years ago, Michael Stepien was killed in Swissvale, and his organs were donated. Today, Stepien's daughter is getting married, and the man who received his heart will walk her down the aisle. FULL STORY: http://cbsloc.al/2ba8wHU
Posted by KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 6, 2016
Jeni Stepien tragically lost her father, Michael Stepien, when he was murdered outside of Pittsburgh in 2006. Following his death, Michael's organs — including his heart — were donated to Arthur Thomas, a man who had been waiting 16 years for the transplant. Ten years later, Jeni received the opportunity to get escorted down the aisle by the man who holds her father's heart.
Though Jeni had never met Arthur, the transplant receiver traveled to Pittsburgh to walk Jeni down the aisle on her big day. In an emotional interview with a local CBS affiliate, Jeni said, "We've been talking to him and writing letters and calling and receiving flowers and sending gifts for the past 10 years and now it's finally here." The bride's sister, Michelle, also added that having Arthur there made her feel closer to her late father.
You can watch an video of the emotional reunion, above.