LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- "We woke up today and it's gorgeous out" says Christie Bacchioni.
The most perfect weather for a fall wedding any bride could ask for.
"I had a sparkly blue gown and we should both be getting our hair and make up done and she should be in her gorgeous white dress."
Instead, Christie's sister, bride-to-be Jaclyn Abatecola, is in a hospital gown.
Her fiance Michael Ziegler said, "They told us that Jackie has Leukemia."
A diagnosis that was out of the blue for the couple.
"I think you may have the wrong patient" was Mike's reaction.
A bout of leg pain turned into a 30 day stay at Albany Medical Center and the postponement of Jackie and Mike's special day.
"It was absolutely heartbreaking. I tried my hardest not to shed any tears in front of her." Mike said.
Mike has been waiting for years to marry the woman of his dreams.
"Even after a terrible day, coming home to her is probably the best thing to ever happen to me." he said.
When describing Mike, Christie said "He has been honestly incredible. I could not ask for anything more"
The groom-to-be has spent every night at Jackie's side.
"He's on this little tiny recliner, this 6-foot-4 guy on a little recliner."
But Jackie's support system extends far beyond the confines of a hospital room.
Christie praised her sister and said, "I really think she's made of steel. She's like half superhero."
On the day her friends and family would have been celebrating her marriage, Jackie's supporters instead gathered in her honor at the Light the Night Leukemia Walk at Siena College.
"The timing is tragic, but her story won't be," says Christie.
Though Jackie and her fiancé couldn't join in the sea of glowing lanterns shining bright in their darkest time, Mike said he's just waiting for one sight that is sure to illuminate his heart.
"I love her more than anything and I just can't wait to see her walking down that aisle," he said.