Sometimes photos can make us cry – but they can also inspire us to do good to all those around us. Many of us have friends and family suffering with cancer and sometimes we need a brief reminder to give them all the love and support they so need in their their daily battle…

I have received one such email doing the rounds of a true story which is worth sharing with our friends and fellow photo enthusiasts!

Story summary:

Katie Kirkpatrick, 21, held off cancer to celebrate the happiest day of her life. Katie had chased cancer, once only to have it return-to clog her lungs and grab hold of her heart. Breathing was difficult now, she had to use oxygen. The pain in her back was so intense it broke through the morphine that was supposed to act as a shield. Her organs were shutting down but it would not stop her from marrying Nick Godwin, 23, who was in love with Katie since 11th grade.

Story in Photos:

Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 yrs old. Next to her is her fiancé, Nick, 23. This picture was taken prior to their wedding January 11th, 2005. Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy. Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions…

Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine, Katie took care of every single part of the wedding planning. Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to Katie ‘s constant weight loss.

An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception. The other couple in this picture is Nick’s parents, very emotional with the wedding and to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent.

Katie, in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her.

In the middle of the party, Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath. The pain does not allow her to stand for long period of time.

Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see a fragile woman dress as bride with a beautiful smile makes you think… Happiness is always there within reach, no matter how long it lasts. Let’s enjoy life and don’t live a complicated life. Life is too short.

Work as if it was your first day. Forgive as soon as possible.

Love without boundaries. Laugh without control and never stop smiling Please pray for those suffering from cancer!

Additional Photos can be viewed at National Press Photographers website