As it circulates on social media, a heartfelt video of a mother-son wedding dance is bringing tears to the eyes of internet users.
In the now-viral video, the groom, Zak Poirier, assists his mother, Kathy, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2019 and has since lost the use of her legs and arms, to fulfill her dream of dancing the traditional wedding dance with him.
At his wedding to his now-wife, Anja D’adesky, on April 9, the 28-year-old raised and cradled his mother in his arms with the assistance of his twin brothers, Nick and Jake, while they swayed softly to the music.
According to Kathy, who spoke to The Epoch Times, ‘I was just so upset that I wasn’t going to be able to dance with him.’ We discussed it, and I was tremendously motivated to see it through.
Prior to Zak’s big day earlier this year, the 55-year-old, who resides in southwest Florida, revealed that she had imagined dancing with him.
The day of the wedding, she remarked, ‘I was quite scared. It was incredibly emotional, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way.’
Despite experiencing some respiratory issues as a result of the “unforgiving sickness,’ Kathy hasn’t yet lost her voice.
The adoring mother stated that during the sad dance, all three of her sons were comforting her with whispers. ‘Don’t worry, Mom, we’ve got you. We can accomplish this ‘Kathy remembered them telling her.
She went on to say that it was extremely amazing for her to be able to experience the precious occasion with her son at his wedding. It was difficult for her to control her tears, but she admitted that it felt wonderful.
‘To get up and spend that time with my son at a significant time in his life was liberated. It was simply stunning.’
When discussing the remarkable event with Good Morning America, Kathy said: ‘I was extremely nervous as I climbed to the floor. Not because I was concerned about my boys, but rather because I was afraid of being gawked at.’
I have changed so much in the past two and a half years that I am no longer the same person. I knew my boys had me the moment I stepped onto the dance floor.
They simply remarked, ‘Don’t worry. You can trust us. We won’t allow you to leave. And that was simply the moment I had been longing for.’
Kathy claims the video is not about her despite the fact that it has moved millions of people’s hearts online.
She explained that the purpose of the film was to increase awareness about ALS because of how cruel disease is.
‘Not enough people are aware. I’m in a really fortunate position; I have relatives and resources for medical care. But it’s not just about me; it’s about all the others with this illness who need assistance.’
Following the onset of hand weakness, Kathy received a formal ALS diagnosis in January 2019—also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s illness. Testing disproved her initial theory that it might be a pinched nerve.
ALS sufferers are expected to live two to five years after their diagnosis as their bodies degrade because there is no known cure.
I can either accept the diagnosis and everything that comes with it, or I can accept the diagnosis and fight it, as I see it, said Kathy. ‘I’ve decided to resist it. I want to live as long as I can because I love my life.’