There’s almost nothing more magical than the union of two beautiful souls, committing their love for each other, in front of the people they care most about. So, it makes sense that planning your wedding will be incredibly hectic and stressful—it’s meant to be the most special day of your life, after all!
But when Jared and Shelby Schweikhart-Conville received upsetting news about a beloved family member, the soon-to-be bride-and-groom reconsidered their wedding and ended up doing the unimaginable, leaving everyone speechless and in tears.
A Union Beyond Two
The thing about getting married is that the union goes beyond just the bride and groom. One of the most exciting parts in a new marriage is the union of new friends and families and being able to celebrate together!
Having friends and family members come from near and far to witness this special moment between the bride and groom is so magical, and Jared and Shelby Schweikhart-Conville couldn’t wait to share their big day with everyone come autumn of 2020.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
But alas, they would soon find out that things don’t always go as planned—especially when it comes to weddings.
Planning a Wedding
The mid-western sweethearts were madly in love with each other and couldn’t wait to tie the knot!
Just like most couples planning out their wedding, from finding a venue to picking out a color scheme, Jared and Shelby had much planning to do before their big day.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
But if they thought that planning a wedding months in advanced was stressful, they would soon be faced with a completely time-crunching event, leaving them to make the best out of a disheartening situation.
Unexpected Challenges
At the end of the day, overcoming unexpected challenges is what really define you as a couple and family unit.
With less than a year until their big day, Shelby’s family got some difficult news about one of the most cherished members of the family—her father.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
In December 2019, Shelby’s father discovered that a rare disease he was suffering from had returned, and that he would be faced with an intense battle that nobody saw coming.
Steven Schweikhart
Shelby’s father, Steven Schweikhart, had experienced so much over the years.
Right after high school, he joined the military, where he served as a Korean translator for the U.S. Air Force.
Following his service, he started working as an electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)—where he stayed for three decades.
Along with being a devoted and dedicated worker, he was a loving father who cherished his family and enjoyed the little things in life.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
So it came with a heavy-heart when the ex-military man was faced to battle one of our time’s most treacherous diseases.
The First Diagnosis
Shelby’s father was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2019 and by the time She got engaged, he had already been in remission for a second time and seemed to be doing well. But things started to change in the early months of winter when he began to fall ill.
Steven was suffering from a high fever and got sick with pneumonia, a disease that can be critical the older you get.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
But it was when the doctors did further tests that they realized there was more going on with Steven’s health than a lung infection.
Not Once, But Twice!
Prior to December 2019, the loving father had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Fortunately, though, he was able to fight it off not once, but twice!
However, after being in remission twice, another battle snuck upon him, and the doctors realized that the disease had returned.
Because, after doing some additional tests and screenings, it turned out that the lung infection he was suffering from was the result of the cancer spreading to his lungs.
Image via Shelby Schweikhart-Conville/Facebook
But the doctors weren’t going to give up on him!
