Woman Who Lost Leg to Cancer Marries Her Soulmate After Being Given Six Months to Live
A woman who lost her leg to cancer and was given six months to live fulfilled her dream of marrying her soulmate in two beautiful wedding ceremonies.
In the face of life’s most formidable challenges, some stories emerge not just to inspire, but to remind us of the power of love, courage, and unwavering resilience. Ellie Dickinson’s journey is one of those stories—a testament to living fully, embracing joy, and finding light even in the darkest of times.
At just 28, Ellie was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma after doctors found a grapefruit-sized tumor in her left calf in August 2021. What followed was an unrelenting series of battles—major surgery to replace her tibia, nine months of grueling chemotherapy, and ultimately, the amputation of her leg below the knee in May 2024. Yet, Ellie’s battle didn’t end there. Just a month later, she received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her spine, slowly causing paralysis from the waist down.
Despite the heartbreaking prognosis of less than six months to live, Ellie’s spirit remained unbroken. Rather than letting the weight of her circumstances define her, she made a powerful decision: to bring forward her wedding to Max Dickinson, her steadfast partner, and create memories that would outshine the darkness.
On November 14, 2024, Ellie and Max celebrated the first of their two weddings—a simple yet profoundly meaningful ceremony at the York registry office. With just 26 of their closest family and friends, the couple focused on what truly mattered: love, laughter, and togetherness. Ellie wore a simple white dress and shared a meal of chicken wings, roast pork, and crème brûlée at York Museum Gardens.
“It was absolutely gorgeous—and I felt really, really beautiful, despite not being able to walk down the aisle,” Ellie said. “Everything came together perfectly, exactly how I wanted it to. I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding.”
The couple’s second wedding on November 22, 2024, was a true fairytale—a $28,750 celebration with over 100 guests that left everyone in awe. Ellie wore a breathtaking $3,000 gown adorned with sparkling diamantes and pearls, her six bridesmaids in sage green dresses following behind her.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” Ellie recalled. She ‘walked’ down the aisle in her wheelchair, radiating beauty and strength. “I felt really beautiful—it was a fairytale gown. The day itself was really sunny—my dress caught the light, and I felt like I was shining. I was so lucky.”
Ellie’s attention to detail was nothing short of remarkable. She alternated between two veils—a shorter, wheelchair-friendly one for her walk down the aisle, and a longer, more dramatic one for photos. The couple’s guests enjoyed a three-course meal of bruschetta, chicken with dauphinoise potatoes, and chocolate orange brownies while a saxophonist played in the background.
After the heartfelt speeches, the reception kicked into full swing with a DJ, glow sticks, and undercover singing waiters who described Ellie and Max’s wedding party as the most interactive they’d ever seen.
“It was such a gorgeous, relaxed day,” Ellie said. “Max and I had our first dance to ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ by Arctic Monkeys, with a confetti cannon going off throughout—it looked amazing.”
While Ellie’s time may be limited, her spirit is boundless. She filled her wedding days with love, laughter, and cherished memories, proving that life’s beauty isn’t measured in the number of days we have, but in how we choose to live them.
In Ellie’s words: “It was absolutely gorgeous. I felt like I was shining.”
Her story is not just one of survival—it’s one of triumph. Ellie chose to live on her own terms, surrounded by love and joy. And in doing so, she left an indelible mark on all who were privileged to witness her journey.
May we all shine as brightly as Ellie, no matter the challenges we face.
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