The bride was escorted to the altar by a man who had her father's heart transplanted

This story began a long time ago: 10 years ago, Janie Stepien's father from the city of Swissvale (Pennsylvania) he was killed, and his heart was then transplanted to a patient in need of a new organ from the state of New Jersey. And now Arthur Thomas, who has become a recipient of a heart, has come to the wedding of his donor's daughter to walk the bride down the aisle.

(4 photos in total)

Source: nytimes.com

In September 2006, when Michael Stepien was walking from the restaurant where he worked to his house, he was attacked by a 16-year-old teenager for the purpose of robbery, who did not disdain not just to rob, but also to kill his victim. As a result, the attacker was given 40 years in prison, and Michael's family accepted the inevitable and decided to give the heart of the murdered father to Arthur Thomas from New Jersey, who was on the verge of death.

"It's not so easy to wait for the right organ, so after the operation took place and my heart was transplanted, I decided to express my gratitude to Michael's family." The rules of the donor organization, with the help of which a new heart was found for Arthur, allow donor families to communicate with recipients. Therefore, the Stepien family kept in touch with Arthur, calling him monthly and exchanging cards for Christmas and birthdays.

10 years have passed, and Janie and her boyfriend Paul decided to get married. The bride began to think about who would lead her to the altar. "Oh, it would be so great if a part of my father was physically present at my wedding!" thought Janie then. At the suggestion of her fiance, Janie contacted Arthur and asked him to walk her down the aisle. After consulting with his daughter Jackie, Mr. Thomas agreed.

"I thought this idea was the best way for Janie to feel her father next to her. Literally feel how his heart is beating," said Arthur.

Video about how it was: