I couldn't stop the tears from welling in my eyes when I heard the heartbreaking story of Tennessee teen, Katelyn Norman. The 14-year-old is suffering from terminal bone cancer and has created a bucket list in a courageous effort to live out her last days to the fullest. She has been making her way through the list with the help of her friends and family and last night, she was able to check another activity off– prom.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Parents make heart-wrenching bucket list for their dying 9-month-old
Norman has been fighting osteosarcoma for two years, but last week, doctors gave her and family devastating news: the cancer had spread to her heart, arteries, and spine and there was nothing more they could do. Though many people would retreat into a state of grief and depression, Norman bravely decided to face the news and simply embrace the remainder of her life. She created a bucket list full of experiences she hopes to have and last night, one of her wishes was granted.
Originally, Normal was suppose to attend a personalized prom called "Light the Night for Kate" at her school. But yesterday afternoon, she had trouble breathing and had to be hospitalized. So her loved ones decided to bring prom to her! Her friends and family gathered outside her room with candles and her date even presented her with a corsage and a "Prom Queen" sash. Isn't that just amazing?!
Other items on Norman's bucket list include having a last slow dance, learning to drive a car, getting a Marilyn Monroe piercing, and spending a day with each of her three siblings. A fundraiser benefitting Norman and her bucket list has been created online.
I can't even begin to imagine the pain and devastation Norman's family must be going through, but I give them all the credit in the world for finding the strength to put aside their own grief and fill the teen's last days with joy.
The person who truly leaves me in awe though is Norman herself. It must be beyond difficult to put on a brave face, but she has reacted with a grace beyond her years and maintained a hopeful and inspiring attitude that just leaves me amazed. I just hope that Norman and her family get to spend as much time together as possible and that they can check many, many more items off her bucket list in the coming weeks.
Image via Facebook
