Bride surprises wedding guests with stem cell donor who saved her life

Kaedi Cecala revealed the man whose selfless act gave her a second chance at life was among the wedding guests.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A bride left wedding guests stunned and many in tears after revealing that the stem cell donor who saved her life was standing among them. Kaedi Cecala was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer, in 2020. After an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, doctors found a perfect match in Karol Zwierzyski, a 26-year-old living in Poland. The transplant was a success, and Kaedi is now cancer-free. At her wedding, Kaedi surprised guests by introducing Zwierzyski, who traveled from Poland to attend the celebration.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the life-saving impact of stem cell donation and the power of community support during a health crisis. It also encourages others to consider registering as stem cell donors, as a small act can make a profound difference in someone else's life.

The details

In 2020, Kaedi Cecala was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer that can progress into acute myeloid leukemia. She underwent an aggressive chemotherapy regimen to prepare her body for a stem cell transplant. Doctors found a perfect match in Karol Zwierzyski, a 26-year-old living in Poland, who didn't hesitate to donate his stem cells. The transplant was a success, and Kaedi is now cancer-free. When Kaedi and her husband, Mikey, began planning their wedding, Kaedi knew she wanted to honor the person who made her future possible. Zwierzyski traveled from Poland to attend the celebration, and during the reception, Mikey introduced him to the guests, who erupted in applause.

  • In 2020, Kaedi Cecala was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.
  • Kaedi Cecala underwent an aggressive chemotherapy regimen in 2020 to prepare her body for a stem cell transplant.
  • The stem cell transplant was a success, and Kaedi Cecala is now cancer-free.

The players

Kaedi Cecala

A bride who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer, in 2020 and received a life-saving stem cell transplant.

Mikey Cecala

Kaedi Cecala's husband, who was by her side throughout her cancer treatment and recovery.

Karol Zwierzyski

A 26-year-old living in Poland who was a perfect match for Kaedi Cecala and donated his stem cells, saving her life.

Dr. Jayesh Mehta

A hematologist at Northwestern Medicine's Lurie Cancer Center in Chicago who explained the seriousness of myelodysplastic syndrome.

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What they’re saying

“Shocking doesn't even begin to cover it.”

— Kaedi Cecala (Good Morning America)

“I remember leaving and going to get a bite to eat at a pizza place right around the corner, and it just hit me that, like we were in it, you know.”

— Mikey Cecala (Good Morning America)

“Donation was easy.”

— Karol Zwierzyski (Good Morning America)

“I'm not a hero here. So please raise your glasses for Kaedi.”

— Karol Zwierzyski (abc7ny.com)

“Somewhere out there, your Kaedi might be waiting for you.”

— Karol Zwierzyski (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

Joining the stem cell registry is often as simple as a cheek swab. If matched, most donors can give stem cells through a process similar to donating blood -- a small act that can mean everything to someone else.

The takeaway

This story highlights the life-saving power of stem cell donation and the importance of registering as a donor. It also demonstrates the profound impact that one person's selfless act can have on another's life, and the way a community can come together to support someone in need.