Florida cancer survivor wins dream wedding

Four years ago, doctors told bride-to-be she had just one year to live

Big changes in store for Oprah?
Nov. 8: Is the queen of daytime television preparing to give up her popular talk show to focus on her own cable network? NBC’s Kevin Tibbles reports, then Rolling Stone contributor Toure and CNBC’s Carmen Wong Ulrich join Jenna Wolfe to discuss the financial and cultural impact of a potential move.

Ft. Hood victim was ‘excited’ about motherhood

World reflects on impact of Wall’s fall

Health bill’s passage a boost for Obama?

House passes landmark health bill

updated 7:32 a.m. ET July 16, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa bride-to-be who defied doctors' expectations after being told she had a year to live four years ago has celebrated another victory — she and her fiancé won a $100,000 dream wedding.

Courtney Dempsey, 33, and Gary Courtney, 37, were among 40,000 couples who entered US Magazine's wedding contest. The prize includes a dress and honeymoon.

"We're beyond thrilled. We're actually in a state of shock right now," Dempsey said Tuesday.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Dempsey was diagnosed with late-stage melanoma four years ago, and doctors told her she had less than a year to live. She survived beyond that and began dating Courtney. But soon after, doctors said she needed a double mastectomy.

Courtney asked Dempsey to move in with him so he could help her recover.

Now the couple is planning a September wedding.

Click for related content

Q&A with cake designer
Wedding day recession blues
Wallet-friendly honeymoons

As for her married name, Dempsey says she'll follow tradition and take her groom's name, meaning she'll go by Courtney Courtney.

"I love it," she said. "I'm in sales. No one will ever forget my name."

Discuss Story On Newsvine
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh
Email
Instant Message
Print

Categories

Florida cancer survivor wins dream wedding

Four years ago, doctors told bride-to-be she had just one year to live