A little girl from Hood River Oregon has had a rough few years. Since the age of 2, Lila May’s life has been consumed with a fight against stage four neuroblastoma – a rare form of childhood cancer.
Videos by InspireMore
Image by Lila May
After consulting with experts from Portland, New York and Michigan, progress in her recovery just wasn’t happening. Her parents had to accept the hard truth that their sweet girl’s body simply didn’t have the strength to fight much longer… so they made the impossibly hard decision of stopping treatment in order to give Lila May the happiest life possible with the short time she had left.
Image by Lila May
One last highlight would be celebrating her 5th birthday… which turned out to be more special than anyone could’ve imagined.
Image by Bryce Jenkinson
Since they knew she’d miss out on major life events, Lila May’s family, friends and doctors blended some into her birthday party!
Image by Bryce Jenkinson
Aside from a birthday, sweet sixteen and wedding party, something else came into play. Strangers across the country heard of Lila May’s story and wanted to do anything they could to help. In no time, incredible offers of kindness flooded in.
One person wanted to make a custom princess dress. Hairstylists came to doll her up the day of the party. And a special baker made an incredible cake for her!
Image by Bryce Jenkinson
Amplifying the excitement even more, her mom Heidi, her BFFs and a local store sold dressed for $10 so people going to the party could dress up, too!
Image by Bryce Jenkinson
On the actual day of the party, over 1,000 people showed up! The turnout was so overwhelming, an entirely other section outside of the building had to be built.
Image by Bryce Jenkinson
Other than entering in a horse-drawn carriage and walking down a red carpet, one special moment remained for Lila May.
Her step-father Blake Hall kneeled on one knee, asking her to marry him! Of course, she said yes and they soon had a heart-warming father-daughter dance… which of course brought everyone to tears.
Image by Lila May
Because of everyone involved… which was in the hundreds… Lila May celebrated her last birthday in her own fantastic world.
Her legacy is one of love and reminds us: love others. Love others well in a way they will always remember.
Please share her sweet story to encourage a world full of love.
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