Daughter Puts on Wedding Dress to Have Father Daughter Dance with Dad Who Only Has Months to Live

One daughter was devastated when she learned her father was terminally ill. They didn’t have much time left together, but one kind stranger made sure the teenager had a memory to look back to for the rest of her life.

Kiley Gegare adored her father, Brad Gegare. He was the hero in her life, and they had many fond memories together. However, their lives were turned upside down in 2019 when their family received shocking news.

Brad was diagnosed with cancer and had only months to live. Kiley was heartbroken because her dad’s presence was essential to her. She still wanted to do so many things with him—including sharing her first dance with him as a bride.

The Teenager’s Special Plan

Kiley was 19 when she discovered her dad wouldn’t be around for much longer. Amid her pain, she devised a plan to allow one of her childhood dreams to become a reality.

She wasn’t engaged or on the verge of getting married, but Kiley set out to arrange the perfect moment with her father. The Wisconsin college freshman told her mom that she wanted to have a wedding reception dance with her dad. An online post explained:

“[Kiley] wanted this moment with her dad before he gained his wings.”

Kind People Stepped up to Help
Kiley never imagined her idea would become a reality, but thanks to the help of friends, family, and strangers, they created an unforgettable day. Local businesses stepped in to provide the family with everything they needed, from hair and makeup to a venue.

However, Tiffani’s Bridal in Appleton provided one piece that truly made the experience feel like a wedding day. The owner, Tiffani Ebben, made magic happen and found a dress that fit Kiley perfectly. She shared:

“It was really a short span of time, but we were very lucky. It must have been meant to be because we found a dress that fit like a glove and looked absolutely amazing.”

It Was an Emotional Day

The teen looked stunning in the gown and couldn’t wait to invite her father to dance. The significant experience left Brad overwhelmed with emotion, and he struggled to hold back his tears.

The guests were equally choked up, and Kiley’s mom, Kris Wallace, recalled the unforgettable moment: “We had him turn around so he couldn’t see her and then [turn] around. He just broke down, and she did.”

Users revealed that the story made them cry and many recounted their own experiences with loss.

nearly two years after the sweet moment, Kiley shared how much the day meant to her. While her dad was no longer around, she had photos of that moment to look back on.

She adored the pictures and thanked everyone who helped put the event together. The family shared their story online, hoping others would also be kind and help people whenever possible.

The Online Reaction
Netizens were speechless and thanked the store owner, who let the father and daughter have a moment Kiley would cherish forever. Users revealed that the story made them cry, and many recounted their own experiences with loss:

“I am sobbing! My father died before my wedding, and I never got to have this moment. Thank you for making this happen for this young woman!”

– (Carla Hales) October 1, 2021

“Thank you for making their dreams come true. As every bride knows, the Father-Daughter dance is one that means so much. You provided an opportunity for them to share a beautiful moment and create memories that will last her lifetime.”

– (Lisa Marie) October 1, 2021

“I see these pictures and my heart breaks but I can’t stop looking at them! A daddy’s pride and a baby girl’s insights. These photos capture so much!”

– (Traci Diener Ellis) September 25, 2021

“This poor little 19-year-old girl was losing her daddy to melanoma. I can’t imagine losing the most important man in your life at age 19! It was hard enough for me at age 52. Thank God for caring people!”

– (Carla Graley Smith) October 1, 2021