In June 2023, 10-year-old Emma Edwards, battling incurable acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), fulfilled her dream of marrying her childhood sweetheart, DJ, just days before her passing. Emma’s parents, Alina and Aaron Edwards, made this heartwarming gesture, determined to grant their daughter’s wish. Emma’s ambition, rather unique for her age, was to become a wife and eventually a mother of three. Their young relationship had begun in school, with a playful wedding at 8.

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, and while most children can be cured, Emma’s case was beyond treatment. The family rallied support to make her wish come true. Over 100 guests, including teachers and doctors, gathered in Emma’s grandmother’s garden on June 29, 2023. Her dad walked her down the aisle, and their teacher shared a childhood memory of their pretend wedding.

Despite her pain, Emma fully enjoyed her special day, and DJ’s affection for her was evident. Tragically, Emma passed away on July 11, 2023, but her family found solace in fulfilling her cherished wish. Her mother shared, “She was a sweetheart. I always say we must have made marriage look really fun because that’s all she wanted.”