In a heartwarming display of determination and resilience, Amber McConkey, a 38-year-old bride diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2015, achieved an extraordinary feat on her wedding day. On April 25, at the Pinecrest Weddings and Event Center in Palmer Lake, Colorado, McConkey fulfilled her dream of walking down the aisle, a goal she had tirelessly worked towards for months.
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McConkey’s journey to the altar was fraught with challenges, particularly as her condition progressed, leading her to rely on a wheelchair for the past two years. The emotional weight of the moment was even greater for her, as she viewed walking down the aisle as a significant milestone in becoming a wife. “To me, walking down the aisle is just a huge part of getting married,” she shared, underscoring her determination to show her three children that perseverance is key. “I want to show them that they can do anything. It was just a non-negotiable to me,” she added.
Her commitment to her goal saw her engage in rigorous physical therapy. A pivotal moment came in January when she was equipped with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device, designed to improve muscle function and motion. McConkey increased her therapy sessions to twice a week and practiced diligently to master the 68-foot distance she would need to traverse on her wedding day. With the support of her physical therapist, they mapped out the distance at the venue, ensuring she was well-prepared for the momentous occasion.
Amber’s fiancé, Brandon Goodrich, was privy to her preparations but kept it a secret from the majority of their wedding guests. Out of the 125 attendees, only close family and friends were aware of her intention to walk down the aisle, which added to the emotional atmosphere when the day arrived. As the first notes of “Tangled Up in You” by Aaron Lewis played, McConkey made her entrance, flanked by her father and brother for support. The moment was a profound mix of joy, excitement, and nerves.
“I was overwhelmed with happiness,” McConkey reflected, noting the unpredictability of the emotions that washed over her during her walk. “You can’t predict the emotions you’re going to have — the excitement, the adrenaline, everything.” Despite her initial struggles, she felt a sense of accomplishment, stating that it didn’t have to be perfect as long as she achieved her goal.
In a testament to the moment’s impact, her husband Brandon found himself moved to tears as well. He expressed his gratitude for the support that had enabled Amber to fulfil her dream. “She said she was going to do it, and she did it,” he remarked, his pride in her perseverance evident. Their children, who were present to witness their mother’s remarkable achievement, were filled with joy, signifying not just personal triumph but a family milestone.
Later in the evening, the couple enjoyed a “perfect” first dance, with Amber managing to sway with her husband despite her fatigue. When it came time for the traditional father-daughter dance, her sister stepped in to support her, allowing the celebration to continue unimpeded.
While McConkey’s wedding day goal was a significant milestone, it was just the beginning of her journey. She remains dedicated to her physical therapy sessions and is motivated to achieve more milestones. “This is just the beginning for me,” she affirmed. Her determination to walk again is fuelled by her love for her children and the desire to set an example for them.
Furthermore, she hopes to inspire others battling MS by encouraging them to seek out pathways to recovery and improvement. In her words, “You can’t just give up… you just have to try.” This mantra has become her guiding principle and she is committed to finding new goals to pursue, ensuring her journey inspires many.
Amber McConkey’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As she continues her journey, she embodies the belief that with perseverance and ambition, anything is possible, even when facing the challenges of a chronic illness.