Bride Surprises Wedding Guests With the Stem Cell Donor Who Saved Her Life

In 2020, Kaedi Cecala was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and given a stark choice: find a stem cell donor or face the consequences. A stranger stepped forward. Five years later, at her wedding, Kaedi planned the ultimate surprise — reuniting with the man who gave her a future.

A Life-Saving Stranger

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of blood cancers where immature blood cells don't mature properly. For Kaedi, the diagnosis was devastating — and the only real hope was a stem cell transplant from a matching donor.

Through the Be The Match registry, a stranger was found to be a perfect match. Without hesitation, he agreed to donate. The transplant was a success, and Kaedi got a second chance at life.

The Wedding Surprise

Five years after the transplant that saved her life, Kaedi decided her wedding would be the perfect moment for a reunion. She arranged for her donor to attend as a surprise guest — and the moment they met left no dry eyes in the room.

"He gave me my life back, and I wanted him to be part of the new one I'm starting," Kaedi said.

Why Stem Cell Donation Matters

Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with blood cancers and disorders that require stem cell transplants. Many never find a match. Registering as a potential donor with organizations like Be The Match takes minutes and could save someone's life.