When 9-year-old Emma Edwards was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her parents, Alina and Aaron, were devastated. After months of treatment, doctors told them there was nothing more they could do. Determined to make her final days special, they asked Emma what she wanted most.Her answer? To marry her 10-year-old boyfriend, DJ.

Unlike most kids who dream of Disneyland, Emma dreamed of being a wife and having children. She and DJ had even tried to “marry” in school the year before. This time, with the support of their families and local volunteers—nicknamed “Emma’s Army”—her wish came true. With help from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the wedding was arranged in just two days.