One father’s very special walk down the aisle.
After a tragic car accident took the life of his daughter days before her wedding, Dan Donnelly Jr. had to face life without her. He also knew he lost his one chance to walk her down the aisle. However, his daughter, Heather Renee Donnelly, was an organ donor and one of her organ recipients gave him back that chance. Bride-to-be, Diana Donnarumma, received one of Heather’s life-saving donations and in an act of sheer gratitude and compassion, she asked Dan if he would walk her down the aisle.
Heather’s gift of life.
The thought of losing a loved one, especially a child, is difficult to comprehend. Heather was a vibrant 26-year-old woman just days away from getting married and starting her life. She had just earned her master’s degree in counseling from Texas A&M and was planning to work with children. Sadly, she was involved in a car accident in October 2017 on her way to a friend’s birthday party. The car accident took her life but through her selfless gift of organ donation, Heather saved the lives of eight people.
Diana was holding on to hope.
Diana was also a young woman just starting out in life. She was suffering from a life-threatening intestinal condition and needed a transplant. Diana received the life-saving gift from Heather in 2017. The procedure was a success and she was given a second chance at life.
Diana will never forget Heather’s sacrifice.
There is no greater gift than the gift of life. Diana wears a necklace commemorating her organ transplant along with a special tribute to Heather. The necklace reads, “Intestinal Transplant Recipient, 10/24/17, Because of you Heather I live.”
Diana’s special invitation.
As Diana planned her upcoming wedding in August 2021, she reached out to Dan to ask him if he would walk her down the aisle.
“I try to carry on her spirit the best I can every day…And I felt like I needed to – but also I wanted to – give her father the opportunity.” – Diana told buffalonews.com
Dan said he was honored to receive the invite. “She called me up and she goes, ‘Can I ask you something and don’t be offended.’ I said, no, go-ahead…’I would like you to walk me part-way down the aisle since you’ll never have that chance.’ And I said…I’d be honored.” – Dan Donnelly told Happily.
Dan and Diana share a touching moment.
The day arrives and Dan and Diana walk arm-in-arm down the aisle at her wedding. They are surrounded by friends and family as they walk slowly toward Diana’s father. They share a hug as Dan passes Diana to her father, Glen, for the remainder of the walk down the aisle. The moment is so special that there isn’t a dry eye in the house.
From heartache to happiness.
Heather was able to marry the love of her life and enjoy her very special day because of Heather’s gift of life.
Heather will never be forgotten.
Heather’s life was cut short but her memory lives on. Eight people are alive because of her and therefore she is alive and well in the hearts of many.
Now watch this inspiring video of Dan walking Diana down the aisle.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
