Couple pledges commitment in midst of cancer battle

Farmington Hills (WXYZ) - It was a gorgeous day to celebrate love and life.

Thirty-year-old Matt LaFave and his beautiful fiance 23-year-old Melissa Coppersmith did just that.

"He's the best guy I could ask for," said Coppersmith.

They've been together for five years. The last four of them have been spent fighting cancer that is attacking Melissa's body.

"She's in stage four, but it's day by day. Some days she's tired and doesn't have the energy and some days she's feeling great and wants to do everything," said LaFave.

Getting married and having a big wedding was not in the cards right now. So Melissa’s cancer support group at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Farmington Hills came up with an idea just two weeks ago. They wanted to celebrate life in the moment, with a commitment ceremony for Melissa and Matt.

"We get to say, even though I have cancer we get to keep going and pushing on. Nothing is going to stop us from living our life," said Coppersmith.

The support group along with Karmanos staff coordinated the ceremony, cake, music and reception. The planning boosted everyone's spirits.

"It just feels really good, it's wonderful," said Barbara Jackson. Jackson is fighting cancer and is a part of Coppersmith's support group.

"She's happy and we're glad that she's happy in the moment," said Gwen Burton, another member of Coppersmith's support group.

"They're great women. I love every one of them," said Coppersmith.

Melissa walked out into the garden behind the Karmanos building with her father at noon today. In her beautiful simple gown, she looked every inch a bride. Her family and Karmanos support family watched, many with tears in their eyes.

Support group member Gwen Burton recited some poetry. Then the couple said a few words to each other in front of the crowd.

"I love you and that's all that matters," said Coppersmith to LaFave.

They kissed and LaFave looked at the crowd.

"She made me a better man for loving her," he said.

Coppersmith's mother looked at the couple with tears in her eyes.

"She's so beautiful, she's so happy," said Kimberly Coppersmith.

The short ceremony ended with the couple walking out hand in hand. They shared cake, visited with friends and enjoyed a buffet lunch.

So today, a celebration for Melissa and Matt. They're not yet looking at tomorrow.

"I really don't care how the future turns out. We just take it day by day, one glorious day with each other after the next," said LaFave.

"Always in the moment, because it's not going to help focus on the past and worry about the future. Just live the moment and stay positive," agreed Coppersmith.