Preteen Gets Her Last Wish: A Wedding

9-year-old terminal leukemia patient 'marries' best friend

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:36 PM CST

(Newser) – Nine-year-old Jayla Cooper dreamed of her wedding day, and even a grim medical diagnosis couldn't keep her from her wish. The 9-year-old, suffering from an aggressive form of leukemia that has left her with just weeks to live, recently "married" her 7-year-old sweetheart, a fellow leukemia patient at a Texas hospital, ABC News reports.

"He is very cute, and I love him," Jayla said of her groom, who has a less aggressive form of cancer. Their ceremony, which 150 guests attended, is an unusual but not unprecedented last request. "It makes perfect sense," said a hospital rep. "What little girl doesn't dream about her wedding day?"

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The wedding has helped the family cope with Cooper's death and celebrate her life. (Shutter stock)

Cooper's wedding comes just a few weeks before doctors say her body will give in to cancer. (Shutter stock)

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This little girl can teach us all a thing or two about living. She's not afraid to die and has the most precious attitude.
- Shonda Schaeffer, a philanthropist who paid for the wedding

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Preteen Gets Her Last Wish: A Wedding