Alexandrea's Wish: Wedding Day

In July 2019, we received a heartfelt wish from a courageous 28-year-old mother of two, Alexandrea, whose resilience was awe inspiring. She had overcome many challenges in life, including beating cancer in 2017. However, in early 2019, the cancer returned aggressively, spreading to her organs and small cells. Despite the best medical efforts, it was determined that Alexandrea had less than a year to live.

Amidst this devastating news, Alexandrea and her childhood sweetheart, Clayton—her partner since the age of 16 and the father of her children—were in the midst of planning their wedding. Set for October 12th, 2019, their plans had been put on hold due to her health. But now, with the end near, they desperately wanted to see the wedding through, not only to unite their families emotionally and spiritually but also to share their love with all the important people in their lives. They needed help to make this special day a reality.

Like many, Alexandrea dreamed of a perfect wedding: a loving fiancé, a beautiful dress, stunning flowers, a meaningful ceremony, unforgettable photos, elegant decorations, a delicious meal, a joyous reception and dance, and a day filled with laughter, fun, and love.

Our small organization was deeply moved by Alexandrea’s story and her wish. Though it was a big challenge for us, we were determined to make this day as special as possible for the couple and their children. We reached out to our compassionate community, calling for all who could help. The response was overwhelming. Numerous companies stepped up to make this day special. And an amazing group of volunteers also donated their services, products, and time to make this wish come true.

A special thanks to Tip Top for their extra support. They understood that Clayton wasn’t just choosing a tuxedo for his wedding but also, tragically, for his bride's funeral.

As with many wishes, there was a concern that Alexandrea's health might change before the wish could be fulfilled. Just two days before the wedding, Alexandrea was hospitalized with a blood clot in her leg. We quickly began arranging a Skype ceremony, preparing for the possibility of holding the wedding virtually. Thankfully, Alexandrea was released in time, and the wedding proceeded beautifully.

The day was a wonderful celebration of love, surrounded by family and friends. Alexandrea and Clayton were able to share their love and joy with all who attended. We are truly grateful to have been a part of their special day and to have helped make their dream come true.