There’s nothing more heartbreaking than losing a parent, but a terminally ill father said goodbye to his four children in the most loving way possible: walking them down the aisle.
When Ken McHugh was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, he was told he had a maximum of two years left. Now 47, he’s defied all odds and lived to see his oldest child graduate high school and go off to college, and his two eldest attend prom.
“Although it was undeniably a blessing, he was deeply saddened that he wouldn’t attend these events with his younger children. He knew he would never be able to hold a grandchild or celebrate their wedding days,” says Ken’s wife, Tammy.
His condition worsened, and doctors suggested he stop chemotherapy to enjoy whatever time he has left. That’s when he came up with the idea to make a video of him and his wife walking each child down the aisle at their church to celebrate their love as a family. “Instead of giving them away to their beloved partner, he would give them to the world, and to God,” Tammy says.
Team CMMD, a non-profit supporting local cancer families, heard about Ken’s wish, and decided to help make it come true. Their team sprung into action, securing hair and makeup services, dresses, tuxes, a limo, flowers, an officiant, Ken’s favorite meal and even a wedding cake…all in just six days!
“Nothing I have done in 15 years as a doctor has been more empowering or moving,” says Dr. Christine Meyer, the founder of Team CMMD.
The couple’s son, Dylan, escorted Tammy down the aisle so she and Ken could renew their vows. Then, Ken walked all four children separately down the aisle. As a special remembrance of the day, he presented each child with a letter and read them aloud, which CMMD recorded on film. They plan on watching it together with their future partner and perhaps even playing it at their wedding someday. The kids also received a blue handkerchief that they can carry to fulfill their “something blue” and “something old.”
The highlight of the day was when they all stood at the altar together; as the Deacon joined them in prayer, there was an “overwhelming” sense of peace and love that embraced them all.
Although the family was a little nervous at the onset of the event, it turned out to be a day they would never forget. “For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the love that my husband has for our children. I face celebrating their milestones alone, and having this memory in my heart will bless me with a sense of comfort in the future,” Tammy says.
To help make a difference, visit teamcmmd.org to start a group or make a tax-deductible donation. You can also donate to the McHugh family’s GoFundMe page, which was set up to raise money for medical and education costs.
Photo Credits: Mary Savage
— Stefania Sainato
