A Memphis woman battling cancer was told by doctors that she had less than four months to live—but she recently married her longtime high school sweetheart.
Gracie Jeppsen, 20, suffers from a severe brain tumor, but she wedded her boyfriend Seth Madsen, 21, on Thursday, June 17.
The two lovebirds started dating while in high school, before being separated for three years when they went on different church missions abroad.
Upon returning, Gracie was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor on April 1, and she started her treatment at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a few days later.
The blastoma had spread to her head, causing severe back pains—the reason she decided to end her mission prematurely.
The duo then decided to get married, initially planning for a small wedding until their plans changed when Gracie’s social worker at the hospital became her wedding planner.
The church wedding event was sponsored by the Chris Hope Foundation and staff at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“With all she is going through, hopefully she will forget about that tonight and this will be a night for her and her new groom to cherish the moment,” said Chris.
Gracie’s parents said they were happy to help the couple realize their dream and give them something to hope for.
“I think that being in love and having a future ahead of you gives you a reason to fight, and that is really important,” said her mother, Tiffany Jeppsen.
David Jeppsen, Gracie’s father, said that Seth and his daughter have always wanted to be together, and despite the situation, as parents, they had to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Gracie is in her second round of chemo, and will undergo radiation once the therapy is completed.
