SCHENECTADY - It was a dream come true Friday night for an area Hospice patient who became a bride in a rose garden ceremony that delighted ...
SCHENECTADY - It was a dream come true Friday night for an area Hospice patient who became a bride in a rose garden ceremony that delighted not only those who attended her wedding, but also millions of other people around the world. Even though most people who are planning a wedding need months, or sometimes years to work out every little detail, out of circumstance and necessity, a young Schenectady couple had only two weeks to get the job done. Nineteen year old Jahaysia Graham always dreamed about being a bride, but after being diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago, it looked like her dream was shattered. Two weeks ago, 20-year old Jathyis LaJuett proposed to his longtime girlfriend, and when the Community Hospice posted the story on its Facebook page, things went mega-viral. "It kind of started out small and it got larger and the story continued to unfold and it touched so many people," said Steven Many, executive director of the Community Hospice. "We had contacts from Australia, the UK, Ireland. It was just amazing, an amazing love story is what it comes down to." More then 12-million people saw the Facebook post. More than 350,000 "liked" it. Then, all of a sudden, people from all over the world began contacting hospice, wanting to know how they could help. The wedding dresses, the tuxedos, the flowers, the limousine service, the food and beverage, and the DJ service at the reception were all donated. "I'm just so happy right now," said Sherry LaJuett, the groom's mother. "I never thought I would see so many people at such a special event," said LaToya Sheffield, mother of the bride. "I have no idea who half of them are but I know why they're here and that's enough for me." "I think it's what they wanted," said Mary LaJuett, the groom's grandmother. "They dreamed about this when they were young and they got what they wanted." Hospice has also arranged for a special honeymoon at a local hotel. Less