Boy Passes Away After Being Parents' Best Man

Bride Christine Swidorsky carries her ill son down the aisle at her wedding.
Bride Christine Swidorsky carries her ill son down the aisle at her wedding.

Two-year-old Logan Stevenson wasn't your typical best man. Instead of holding the rings for safekeeping, he clutched his favorite teddybear, "Bun Bun," during the ceremony; he couldn't give a toast at the reception, and in fact, he slept through most of it. But his presence alone surpassed all of the bride and groom's hopes.

You see, Logan is terminally ill and suffers from a rare disease called Fanconi anemia, along with leukemia and other medical complications. His parents, Christine Swidorsky and Sean Stevenson, originally planned to wed in July 2014. However, after receiving a diagnosis that their precious son has a mass in his only remaining kidney (and weeks to live), they decided to get married as a family - while Logan is still with them.

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In just a week, they organized their new backyard nuptials - which took place in Jeanette, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 3 - thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support from their local community. Swidorsky and Stevenson were also joined by their two daughters, Isabella and Savannah. "This is our dream come true, all our family together, and we're all together celebrating. The celebration of my son's life and the celebration of our marriage," the bride told NBC affiliate WPXI.

The bittersweet occasion marked a high point after a challenging summer, including a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in Florida back in June that was cut short after Logan came down with septic shock and hydration shock. Despite all of the setbacks, the newlyweds are determined to make their son's final days happy ones. "He loves Elvis Presley. Every time Elvis comes on, he just starts dancing. And he loves spaghetti," his mom revealed to The Today Show last week.

The couple's celebration of life is testament to their unconditional love for their son: "As a mother, you stay strong and you focus and you will do whatever you can to take care of your child," Swidorsky told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which first reported the story.

UPDATE: Logan Stevenson passed away on Monday, August 5. The family released the following statement to the Associated Press: "Logan passed away at 8:18 yesterday evening, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was very comfortable." His mother also broke the sad news on Facebook, writing, "He is with angels and he's in no more pain."

More from Bridal Guide:

Planning the Happiest Day of Your Life (During a Difficult Time)
10 Powerful Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones
Real Couples' Favorite Wedding-Day Memories
Childhood Sweethearts' Wedding Photo Goes Viral
20 Ways to Make Your Marriage Stronger

By: Stefania Sainato