Just days before she passed away, a brave young girl was escorted down the aisle by her father to marry her childhood sweetheart.

Any parent will likely say they would go to any lengths for their child. The day we become parents, our lives change in unimaginable ways. We take on the responsibility to nurture, love, and protect this new life for as long as we are here on Earth.

Sadly, however, some things remain beyond a parent’s control. Each year, too many children face circumstances and illnesses that are completely out of their hands. Accidents and disease are as much a part of life as joy and celebration.

The day Alina and Aaron Edwards were informed that their nine-year-old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, their world turned upside down. Despite holding on to the hope that Emma would beat cancer, they were devastated when doctors revealed after a few months that nothing more could be done to save her life.

In the precious time left, Emma’s parents resolved to fulfill her wishes. While many children in similar situations might dream of meeting a celebrity, going to Disneyland, or seeing their sports hero, Emma had a different request.

Emma asked for something else entirely: she wanted to marry DJ, her 10-year-old boyfriend. Emma’s parents, despite their sorrow, were determined to make her dream come true.

Emma and DJ had previously tried to get married at school when they were just eight, with classmates acting as bridesmaids and groomsmen. However, their teacher, understandably, did not allow the wedding to go forward.

This time, however, the two received overwhelming support. Emma’s family, friends, and volunteers helped organize the wedding, with many wonderful people contributing to make the day truly special for her. “Everything came together beautifully,” Alina said.