Terminally-Ill Woman to Renew Wedding Vows in Sanibel Island Dream Ceremony
The Californer/10349390

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Californer -- At sunset on June 16^th, 50-year-old Abby Killion and her husband, Josh, will renew their wedding vows at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa in the presence of their children, Addison (16) and Aiden (13). Abby has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and the heartwarming event is her final Dream - made possible by Dream Foundation and the generosity of the Sanibel Island community.

Abby and Josh, who live in Indiana, have been married for nearly 20 years. When doctors told Abby that her brain cancer was terminal, she set her heart on renewing her vows "on a beautiful beach surrounded by our children."

Abby says, "It is a vital, lasting gift for my family. For so many months, my children have primarily witnessed their mother fighting a losing battle, seeing pain and fear. My last treasured memory needs to be keeping that promise to [my husband] and showing our children what eternal love and loyalty look like."

Abby and Josh had no way of making the beachside ceremony possible. With time running out, Abby reached out to Dream Foundation, the only national Dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults.

The whole family was overjoyed when they heard Abby's Dream had been granted, and when Dream Foundation started reaching out to the Sanibel community, the response was overwhelming.

Dream Foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer, says, "Sundial Beach Resort & Spa immediately offered to host the event and welcome the family as guests, and their staff worked closely with Dream Foundation's Dream Coordinator to help plan the perfect event. Everybody we spoke to wanted to help create a beautiful ceremony and an unforgettable experience."

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Dream Foundation's longest-running travel partner, Alaska Airlines, will fly the family from Indiana to Florida, and TURO, which has been car-hosting Dreams since 2019, will host the family's car so they can explore the whole island at their leisure.

The family will stay as guests for four nights at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, where they can enjoy miles of shell-strewn beaches and relax in the stunning tropical surroundings.

As the waves crash along the shoreline at sunset on June 16th, Abby will walk down the aisle to Shania Twain's "You're Still the One". She will wear the same dress she wore when she first married Josh, nineteen years ago. Addison will be her Maid of Honor, and Aiden will be Josh's Best Man.

The intimate ceremony will be officiated by Jennifer Manzo, who has since become close with the family, treating Abby and Addison with mani-pedis and offering her friendship and support.

Sanibel floral designer Floral Artistry Studio will supply bouquets, boutonnieres, and an archway arrangement, all featuring carnations, Abby's favorite flower.

A small reception will be held after the ceremony in the resort's Flamingo Room, and artisanal baker LadyCakes Bakery will supply a red velvet cake with vanilla icing - Abby's favorite. Wedding photographer Veronica Costa will capture the event.

Becky Miller, General Manager, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, says, "Every family deserves the opportunity to celebrate the moments that matter most. When we learned about Abby's Dream to renew her vows and create lasting memories with her family, we knew we wanted to help."

Becky continues, "It is a privilege to welcome them to Sundial and be part of such a beautiful expression of love and commitment. We are deeply grateful to Dream Foundation for making experiences like this possible."

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Employees of Genentech hosted a Dream Delivery, presenting the family with everything provided for their Dream. Genentech has helped Dream Foundation make 1,315 Dreams come true since 2017, and Genentech employee volunteers have delivered 2,300 Dreams across the country.

Abby and Josh will live-stream the ceremony so that their extended family and friends back home in Indiana can share in the unforgettable event.

About Dream Foundation

Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, the organization has served more than 35,000 final Dreams over the last thirty-two years. Dream Foundation has Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound and transparent fiscal management assuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying on individual and corporate donations. To support the mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate. Dream On!

About Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Located on the barrier island of Sanibel off the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is a unique island destination with miles of world-famous beaches. Voted Best Full Service Resort for ten years in a row, guests select from spacious, fully equipped condominium-style accommodations in various sizes, complete with kitchen, living room and dining area. Directly on site are four restaurants with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Resort amenities include four tennis courts, sixteen pickleball courts, heated swimming pools, organized activities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa and marketplace. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa features 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The resort and its pristine beaches serve as a perennial favorite for Florida beach weddings. For additional information, call (239) 472-4151 or visit sundialresort.com.