Woman with terminal lung disease marries long-time boyfriend
Auburn Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing resident Kassie (Kassandra) Perry, a 23- year-old woman with terminal lung disease married her boyfriend on July 16th with the help of an entire community.
Kassie previously confided to a social worker that she wanted to marry her long-time boyfriend and father of her 2-year-old son.
Amy Melcher, our administrator says they were determined to make Kassie’s wish come true.
“Kassie said she’d like to get married. And could we do it here at the building and did I think we could pull it off,” said Melcher. So Auburn Village along with along with several Auburn businesses granted her last wish by funding and hosting her entire wedding.
Christianson Thornton, her husband told WANE 21 television station that she’s still one of the bravest people he knows. Even after being diagnosed with lung disease a year ago and being rejected for a lung transplant, Perry’s spirit for life remains strong. Her strength is one of the many reasons why he asked her to marry him.
“I told her I loved her,” Thornton said. “Just because she got sick and she’s not going to get any better doesn’t change that. I told her I’d be with her through sickness and health, til death do us part. That’s what I plan on doing and I plan on trying to make it the best experience for her until that time.”
As the ceremony came to a conclusion there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Kassie who cannot talk or walk, stood up to pose for pictures with her husband.
Auburn Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing hosted the wedding and local small business owners provided photography, makeup and hair styling services, flowers for the ceremony, DJ services, linens and the brides’ favorite meal of country fried steak and mashed potatoes. The outpouring of love and support for Kassie and Christianson from the community, Auburn Village and good samaritans has shown how much of an impact generosity and selfless acts can make.
**A special thank you to: Waverly Lane Photography by MacKenzie Bates; Breein Nicole Photography; Special Occasions by Laura; Amy Young; The Sprinkling Can Florist; DJ Bryan Dickman; North Main Street Diner; P.S. Baked with Love; Taylor Rental; Armstrong Flowers.
