Pennsylvania Bride Walked Down the Aisle by the Man Who Received Her Father’s Heart

When Jeni Stepien’s father Michael was tragically killed in 2006, the family decided to donate his organs to help eligible recipients such as Arthur Thomas, the man who received Michael’s heart. Thomas had been really close to death before the transplant, but almost exactly ten years later, Thomas walked Stepien down the aisle at her wedding to Paul Maenner. It all started with a letter she wrote to Thomas asking him if he would do the honors. After consulting with his own daughter, Thomas happily agreed as described to described to CBS Pittsburgh.

Jeni wrote me a letter and she said ‘Dear Tom, I’m the daughter of the man who’s heart is inside of you and I’m gonna get married on August 6th’…‘And one further thing if you’re willing, would you walk me down the aisle?’ …First person I’ll ever be walking down the aisle

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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