Man dying of cancer renews his vows with his wife of 22 years as his last wish

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KFSM) - An Arkansas man with terminal cancer renewed his vows with his wife of 22 years the same week he was admitted to hospice.

Bryan Rose has Stage 4 colon cancer and was admitted to hospice last week. Even through his terminal illness, he wanted to make sure his promises to Terri Rose, his wife of 22 years, were restated.

The Roses renewed their wedding vows Wednesday at Circle of Life hospice care in Bentonville. After the ceremony, there was a reception attended by family and friends. With vendors, entertainment and – of course – cake, it was meant to highlight Bryan and who the Roses are as a couple.

Event planner Kristin Hoops with Blushing Gypsy Events says she realizes the Roses are a special couple.

“Bryan and Terri, what I’ve learned about them is before his illness, they were full of life. Just a very fun couple, they enjoyed all the things and were very outgoing,” Hoops said.

She says she had been figuring out details for the vow renewal for several weeks.

Wish Upon a Wedding is part of the team that made it all possible. The program, which is similar to Make-a-Wish, grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness.

Circle of Life also helps to find a way to have their patients’ last wishes granted.

“We’ve done airplane rides, but we also get requests for milkshakes and apple pie and a favorite meal or just to be able to pet a horse again,” said Nancy Desler, marketing manager for Circle of Life.

After 22 years together, the Roses chose each other again – and one of Bryan’s last wishes was granted: renewing his promise to the woman he loves most.