Greta Hokanson was 16-years-old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. The only thing that would save her life was a new bone marrow transplant.

But neither of her two sisters proved to be a match, and all Greta and her family could do was wait to be connected with a compatible donor through a bone marrow registry. Luckily, she found a donor — a 44-year-old man from Arkansas. That man was Danny Daniels.

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Source: Photodot Photography

The procedure was successful, and after nearly two years Greta and her family were finally able to meet the amazing man who also risked his life to help out a complete stranger.

“Before I met him, he was this amazing man who gave his bone marrow to me without knowing anything about me. It was incredible seeing him standing right there in front of me,” Greta told BuzzFeed of their first meeting.

They continued to keep in touch, and years later when Greta was planning her wedding with her now-husband Tony Hokanson, she knew she wanted Danny to be there. Tony was also eager to meet him for the first time, saying that without Daniel, he may have never been able to marry the love of his life.

The couple got married on October 10th. Daniel and his wife were both excited and able to attend.

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Source: Photodot Photography

During the reception, Greta shared an emotional dance with Danny to “Angels Among Us” by Alabama.

Stacy Milburn of Photodot Photography who was taking pictures that day told the Huffington Post: ”I fought back my own tears. Throughout the reception the room was filled with friends, family, tears, smiles and a tremendous amount of joy.”

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Source: Photodot Photography

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Source: Photodot Photography

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Source: Photodot Photography

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Source: Photodot Photography

Greta commented that during the dance, she thanked Daniel again and got very emotional. She couldn’t be more grateful for his selfless act of kindness.

And of course, Greta wasn’t the only one who was living out one of the happiest moments of her life. Daniel told BuzzFeed Life, “I was very proud at the wedding, just like a father would be. It felt like my own daughter getting married.”


By - grape Japan editorial staff.