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4-year-old cancer patient 'marries' her nurse, calls it 'the best day ever'

The staff of the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancers in Albany, New York took their efforts to the next level when they planned a wedding for 4-year-old Abby.
/ Source: TODAY

The doctors and nurses who work with pediatric oncology patients are no strangers to spending their time trying to brighten the days of kids who are fighting for their lives.

But the staff of the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancers in Albany, New York took their efforts to the next level last week when they planned a wedding for 4-year-old Abby, who wanted to marry her favorite nurse, Matt Hickling.

Abby is battling Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and after Hickling heard that she hoped to marry him, the nurse and his fellow staff members put together a memorable “wedding” for Abby — complete with wedding dress, cake and nurses as bridesmaids.

Lori Ciafardoni, a nurse at the Melodies Center, posted a video of the ceremony to NBC News affiliate WNYT’s Facebook page. The video shows Abby being walked into the ceremony on a path of rose petals, smiling behind her paper mask as Hickling sees her in her wedding dress.

When Hickling removes her mask, Abby smiles and shyly asks, "Will you marry me?"

Hickling responds, "Of course!"

Abby’s mother posted about the event in Amazing Abby, a Facebook community dedicated to Abby’s journey as she fights Leukemia.

"As I’m sure you may have seen, Abby married Matt today," the post reads. "I know the people at the Melodies Center and know their creativity and thoughtfulness but never expected all of this. Abby's response...'This is the best day ever!' We are both in awe from today's visit and smiling ear to ear."