Organ donors give the gift of life, and they do so selflessly, often not knowing anything about the recipient.
A perfect match
When Christopher Dempsey donated half his liver to a complete stranger, the one thing he knew was that life would never again be exactly the same.
He had no idea how right he was, because less than two years later, he and that lucky organ recipient were married!
Christopher Dempsey and Heather Krueger’s love story began with a conversation in an office break room in Frankfort, a village south of Chicago, Illinois.
A future in question
Krueger had stage four liver disease, and her doctors had told her she only had a 50% chance of surviving another two months without a transplant.
It was in that search for a donor that Dempsey entered the picture.
Dempsey overheard a co-worker mentioning a cousin who needed a liver transplant, Mr Dempsey told the BBC.
"I just thought to myself, I would want someone to help me or my family in that situation."
-Christopher Dempsey
That’s when he got himself tested and discovered he was somebody's match.
First, he called to say he was her donor, and shortly afterwards they had a lunch date – and he paid.
Over the next few weeks, they spent more and more time together.
By the time of the surgery at the University Of Illinois Hospital on March 16, they had already been on a couple of dates.
"I was really confident everything was going to be okay," said Dempsey. "I was still nervous - there is always the chance [something might go wrong] - but at no point did I rethink the decision."
"It was just really good knowing she was going to be okay."
His proposal came eight months later, and the two got married 19 months to the day after the transplant.
"I think it was definitely more emotional - maybe more so for her and her parents - knowing what we had both been through,"
-Christopher Dempsey
"I never would have thought in a million years when I agreed to all this that I would marry her. It is amazing."
The golden rule
Good things come to those who do the right thing. His only motivation at the time he agreed to become an organ donor was to do what he hoped someone would do for him in the same situation- but Dempsey ended up finding the love of his life.
More uplifting news:
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.