FRANKFORT, IL - Heather Krueger got some very bad news in March of 2014 - she had stage 4 liver disease. Less than two months later, she went into liver failure. Her doctors told her that her days were numbered. Her best bet was to find someone who was a match - and who was willing to donate a liver right away. But the question was: Could a match be located in time?
Enter former Marine, Chris Dempsey. Chris (a complete stranger to Heather) rarely ate lunch in the break room at Village Hall where he worked, but on this particular day, he did, and overheard Heather's cousin (a seasonal worker there) mention that Heather might die soon if a donor match could not be found for her. Chris thought about what it would be like if he was in her situation and knew he had to at least try to help.
In January of 2015, Heather got a call. The caller was Chris and he had some great news... he was a match and was willing to donate part of his liver! Chris also put together a fundraiser with his buddies to help with medical costs.
On March 16, 2015, in an 8-hour operation, Heather's liver was removed and 55% of Chris's healthy one was put in its place. For both Chris and Heather, the recovery process was slow, but during that time, they were able to get to know each other better. Their relationship became more than just a friendship.
Chris asked Heather's father for permission to marry his daughter, and received his blessing. On December 10, 2015, after dinner in downtown Chicago and a romantic carriage ride, Chris got down on one knee and asked Heather if she would spend the rest of her life with him. Heather was too happy for words (she did manage to reply in the affirmative). She and Chris plan to be married in October of this year. Both of their livers have successfully regenerated, and Heather is feeling great now - and thankful for her new best friend, Chris!
Enter former Marine, Chris Dempsey. Chris (a complete stranger to Heather) rarely ate lunch in the break room at Village Hall where he worked, but on this particular day, he did, and overheard Heather's cousin (a seasonal worker there) mention that Heather might die soon if a donor match could not be found for her. Chris thought about what it would be like if he was in her situation and knew he had to at least try to help.
In January of 2015, Heather got a call. The caller was Chris and he had some great news... he was a match and was willing to donate part of his liver! Chris also put together a fundraiser with his buddies to help with medical costs.
On March 16, 2015, in an 8-hour operation, Heather's liver was removed and 55% of Chris's healthy one was put in its place. For both Chris and Heather, the recovery process was slow, but during that time, they were able to get to know each other better. Their relationship became more than just a friendship.
Chris asked Heather's father for permission to marry his daughter, and received his blessing. On December 10, 2015, after dinner in downtown Chicago and a romantic carriage ride, Chris got down on one knee and asked Heather if she would spend the rest of her life with him. Heather was too happy for words (she did manage to reply in the affirmative). She and Chris plan to be married in October of this year. Both of their livers have successfully regenerated, and Heather is feeling great now - and thankful for her new best friend, Chris!
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