Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you without hesitation: there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for their child.
From the moment we become mothers or fathers, our lives are forever transformed in ways words can barely capture. We dedicate ourselves to loving, protecting, and worrying endlessly over the precious new life we’ve brought into the world.
Yet, no matter how fiercely we try, some things remain heartbreakingly beyond our control. Illness and accidents touch countless families every year, shattering hopes and dreams with cruel unpredictability.
For Alina and Aaron Edwards, that cruel reality struck when their nine-year-old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Though their hearts broke, they held tightly to hope — hoping against hope that Emma could beat cancer.
But after months of treatment, the devastating truth came: there was nothing more the doctors could do.
Faced with unimaginable grief, Emma’s parents made a vow — to make every moment left with their daughter count, to fulfill her deepest wishes before her time came.
While most children facing such hardships might dream of meeting a celebrity, visiting Disneyland, or playing alongside their sports heroes, Emma’s wish was profoundly different. She wanted to marry her best friend and school sweetheart, DJ — who was also just ten years old.
Emma’s story quickly touched hearts across their community. A devoted group of volunteers and supporters rallied around the family, calling themselves “Emma’s Army,” united in their mission to make Emma’s dream come true.
With help from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the family began raising funds for a wedding that would celebrate Emma’s joy, love, and courage.
Alina shared, “Most kids want to go to Disneyland, but Emma wanted to get married, be a wife, and have three kids.”
This wedding wasn’t Emma and DJ’s first attempt to say “I do.” When they were eight, the two had planned a schoolyard ceremony, picking out their bridesmaids and groomsmen among classmates. But their teacher didn’t allow it, no matter how innocent and heartfelt their desire.
This time, everything was different — the parents’ blessing, the community’s support, and a whirlwind of donations made the wedding possible.
“We put it together in less than two days,” Alina recalled. “Everything was donated. It was so precious — it all came together so beautifully.”
When the big day finally arrived, every precious moment was captured on video, along with heartfelt interviews from those who witnessed the ceremony — including the groom himself, young DJ.
With a shy but sincere smile, DJ shared, “I thought she was the most beautiful person I ever saw. Ever since, I’ve loved her.”
Emma’s mom, Alina, couldn’t hold back her admiration and love for DJ. In an emotional Facebook post, she wrote:
“DJ has been Emma’s ‘Boo bear’ since third grade, and let me tell you, watching these two together will melt your heart. DJ protects her, helps her, and makes her heart soar. She loves him deeply — and I know he loves her just as much. Through every high and low, DJ has stood by her side, keeping her smiling. DJ will forever be family.”
On June 29, Emma’s dream came to life. Dressed in a stunning purple gown, she arrived at the venue in a wheelchair, gently pushed by her loving parents. Her face lit up with joy as her father carefully escorted her down the aisle, a moment both tender and unforgettable.
Emma and DJ exchanged heartfelt vows and rings, sealing their promise with a sweet kiss that marked the beginning of their special day.
After the ceremony, Emma returned to rest, her heart full of happiness from having lived the wedding she had long wished for.
Tragically, just weeks later, on July 11, 2023, little Emma peacefully passed away after her courageous 16-month battle with leukemia.
Her obituary beautifully captured the essence of her short but impactful life:
“Emma Brooks Edwards entered heaven and into the loving arms of her Great-grandma Frannie Annie on July 11, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her most. Emma was 10 years old and bravely fought ‘The Imposter,’ leukemia, for 16 months. Born on April 22, 2013, to adoring parents and three older siblings, Emma completed the Edwards family. She cherished arts and crafts, playing practical jokes, her family and friends, Jesus, and her newlywed ‘husband,’ DJ. Emma was a bright light to all who knew her and an inspiration to everyone she met. She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, ‘wife’ (in her own charming way), and friend. Her legacy is one of strength, laughter, and boundless love for all.”
Rest in peace, dear Emma — a beautiful soul taken far too soon.
Please join us in sending prayers and love to everyone around the world who has been touched by cancer, whether past or present.