A VERY SPECIAL WEDDING

Recently we've been contacted by one of our brides whose dear friend has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She shared with us her story of determination, positivity and undying love for her soon to be husband. We were so touched by their situation that we've decided to donate our time and resources to her wedding. I've attached a letter her friend, Michelle Christensen had written to the Dream Foundation. I encourage everyone to read the letter in its entirety. Anyone with any resources that we could possibly utilize to help make this day the best day of her life please contact us. 480.204.1565

"I would like to introduce you to Cheri Williamson, a co-worker of mine and a very special person. Cheri is a beautiful 32 year old woman who, for the past year, has been battling a very rare form of cancer; only two prior cases are known, which has made medical treatment a challenge. Cheri has fought fearlessly and optimistically for her life with little support from family or friends. As can be expected with this disease, Cheri has experienced many hospital stays, sickness, loss of organs and hair, and indescribable stress and worry throughout this battle.

I have grown close to Cheri through this battle as I was inspired by her positive attitude, her faith, her desire to help others, and her courage. She is a person who cherishes life and would give of herself to anyone, even at her gravest moment. When visiting her in the hospital over the last few months, her concerns were never of herself, but rather of me and other co-workers who were suffering minimal trials in comparison to hers. For the last year her goal and motivation was to get well enough to return to work, recover from the financial consequences of her illness, and marry her true love, Jonathan. She and Jonathan had been talking of marriage for several months leading up to her diagnosis and have looked forward to celebrating her recovery with a wedding.

As Cheri’s condition has grown graver, our team of coworkers at the company we work for have united together to do all that we can to make Cheri more comfortable and help provide her with peace of mind. Several associates agreed to take on her business responsibilities so that she could return to work at the level of income she was accustomed to – not an easy responsibility for us, considering the high stress of a sales environment. During the month of January alone, our team of co-workers raised close to $10,000 within our organization to help Cheri with her past due living expenses. Two weeks ago, Cheri underwent surgery – colostomy and ileostomy. When we learned of the bags that are now attached to her body and her consciousness of them, several of us quickly set out on a shopping spree to re-wardrobe her with cute and comfortable attire.

Last week the tragic announcement was made that Cheri’s time is limited. Doctors estimate that she has just 90 days to live. As you can imagine, we are devastated at the inevitable pain of losing someone we love.

However, Cheri remains upbeat and positive and determined to make her last months as meaningful and special as possible. We want to help her fulfill this dream. 48 hours ago a we formed a committee here at work to host the wedding of Cheri’s dreams. We have been diligently contacting vendors, clients, any resources we can think of – to help with the costs and affairs of such a special event. We are quickly realizing that with our lack of expertise and Cheri’s life expectancy, we are surely over our heads with this commitment.
I imagine you may wonder why fulfilling this last dream is so important to a group of co-workers. The answer is simple – we are giving people who have found Cheri and Jonathan’s story to be truly inspiring. They are soulmates and two people who love each other unconditionally and would do ANYTHING for the other’s happiness.

Just a few nights ago I was visiting the two of them at the hospital and witnessed a tender exchange. Jonathan quit his job months ago to be able to care for Cheri in her condition. He has been at her side night and day. When I told him how impressive his dedication, his love, and support – he told me that this is just what you do for someone you love, someone you consider your best friend. Cheri asked Jonathan how he could love her, in her frail, bald, and unfeminine condition. Jonathan told her that her body is just a shell, his love for her is because of what is on the inside – and for that reason he will love her forever. I believe Jonathan is one in a million – In an age where chivalry is often forgotten and love is quickly doused with selfishness, I feel it is so important to recognize this love and devotion! I also passionately believe that every woman deserves her dream wedding, with the man of her dreams, in her dream dress and dream location. Please help us make this dream come true. We know that planning and look forward to her wedding day will have a dramatic impact on her remaining days.

There is a team of individuals aligned and ready to make this day come to fruition with your expertise and financial support. Please help us, for Cheri.

Sincerely,

Michelle Christensen"