#10 Meet Little Lila
Meet Lila May Schow, a delightful five-year-old. But there's something unusual about her. She has been battling cancer for three years now and good news has been scarce. The future wasn't looking very bright but her birthday was coming soon.
So her parents decided to give her the birthday party of a lifetime...
Warning: Keep some tissues handy.
#9 Fading Hope
Unfortunately, doctors say that her body cannot take anymore chemo and that the best her parents could hope for is that she survives till Thanksgiving. But guess what, her birthday is coming up and her parents are determined to make it the best party ever. Keep reading and find out because you will be jealous.
#8 The Preparations Begin
Lila's parents weren't the kind to give up. To ensure they give their daughter the most unforgettable party, they created a Facebook group to get help organizing the party and to share Lila's story.
The response they got was absolutely unexpected. Read on, because Lila's story will surely restore your faith in humanity.
#7 Overwhelming Response
Among the responders were local businessmen, volunteers and literally hundreds of ordinary people touched by Lila's story. In times of crisis, one really recognizes the true value of community.
Ryan and Heidi, the parents, managed to pull of the party of a lifetime, quite literally.
Why I'm calling it a party of a lifetime, you'll find out. Don't stop reading...
#6 The Party Of A Lifetime
It wasn't a huge birthday party with hundreds of people and the biggest cake in the world. It was the combination of a prom and a wedding, because Lila would never get to experience them.
Now you'd be right to wonder how two ordinary people who must already have spent a fortune on medical expenses were able to afford a party of that scale. You'd be surprised to know the truth.
#5 The Expenses
Everybody pooled in. Lila's parents did not even need to ask for help. Generous people from all across the United States made donations that covered all the expenses. It was truly heartwarming.
You'd also wonder what prom and weddings would mean to a girl as little as Lila. But that wasn't all the party had...
#4 Dream Come True
Every little girl dreams of being a princess - and so did Lila. Her dreams were brought to life.
Lila came to her birthday as Cinderella and was surrounded by other Disney princesses at all times.
If you thought this was beautiful, wait until you find out what her dad did for her...
#3 Her Hero
If you ask any little girl who their greatest hero is, the answer would invariably be "Dad." Lila's dad wasn't just her hero, that evening, he proposed to her and did a real wedding dance with her as well. These were the joys of life that Lila wouldn't get to live herself.
In the midst of all this, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for everyone to hold their tears back but when I saw this photo of Lila and her dad, I myself couldn't hold it in. Keep reading, you don't want to miss it.
#2 It Wouldn't Have Been Possible Alone
I cannot even imagine how Lila's father must have felt.
Often in times like these, one cannot make it alone. The community was there with Lila every step of the way.
Her father, Ryan, said: 'We wouldn't have been able to fight her illness or organize this party without the help of a huge number of people. We are grateful to all of them. All of this was done in order to make a little girl smile.'
#1 It Was The Best
And guess what, the little girl did smile. She smiled her teeth out.
