A Tribute to Beth
It is with heavy hearts that we post this blog. This coming Thursday, July 15th, was supposed to be a magical day for Beth and Kiarr. We had been working with this sweet couple for the past couple of months to plan a special vow renewal. Instead, our amazing team of wish granters, will gather to help host her memorial service. Sadly, Beth lost her battle with breast cancer this past week.
Beth and Kiarr met during their first year in college, not long after Beth’s mom tragically passed away from breast cancer. The student groups that they were a part of overlapped and they began talking, debating, and getting to know each other. Although they initially shared a very different world view, they learned a lot from each other and found themselves being drawn together. Over time, they fell in love and very quickly got engaged. They were married in 2003.
In 2018, Beth started having some concerning breast issues. After undergoing a series of tests, she received devastating news. Beth was diagnosed with an incredibly aggressive form of metastatic breast cancer. She immediately underwent a double mastectomy and hysterectomy, followed by a rigorous chemotherapy and radiation schedule. The treatments initially worked well and by the end of 2018, she showed no evidence of disease.
Two short years later, however, Beth developed some flu like systems. Out of a preponderance of caution, she went in for some tests. The tests sadly confirmed that her cancer had returned and that it had spread to her lungs, bones and skull. The past few months have been incredibly difficult for Beth and she has been in and out of the hospital. We had originally planned the wish for the middle of August, but given Beth’s failing health, had moved it up to July. Our hearts go out to Kiarr and to the couple’s families as they mourn the loss of this beautiful woman.
We could not be more thankful for our incredibly generous team of wish granters, led by our new friend Sadie McIntyre of Vareus Events. This wonderful crew has truly gone above and beyond to shower Beth and Kiarr with grace and kindness. When they learned of Beth’s passing, 10 days before her wish, they quickly switched gears and will be helping to host her memorial service. We truly hope that it is a sweet time full of memories and love for Beth.
Planner: Sadie McIntyre, Vareus Events
Venue and Catering: Abernethy Center
Photography: Sight Glass Photography
Videography: Casperson Productions
DJ: Stumptown DJ’s
Stationery: Minted
Cupcakes: Laurie Clarke Cakes
Vow Renewal Bands: Miadonna and Company
Gown Alterations: Alterations by Heather
