Cassie's Wedding Wish

West Scranton, Lackawanna County - After hundreds of entries from all across the country, a Lackawanna County couple is one of eight finalists in a national magazine's bridal sweepstakes that could help pay for their dream wedding.  But that's just the beginning of this story about true love and defying the odds.

Although 27 year old Cassie Davies is busy planning her wedding, just six months ago she was fighting for her life.  Doctors never thought she would make it but she continues to prove them wrong every day.

Cassie fiance, Matt Michaylo says, "We say it was a miracle, but it was a miracle.  Every day was a miracle.  Every day now is a miracle."

One year ago Cassie Davies was a happy, go-lucky 27 year old, working as a speech therapist and dating the man of her dreams.  But how quickly that all changed, "I had some flu like symptoms.  I thought I had the typical flu.  I had some burning behind my knees and I guess I was complaining of double vision," explains Cassie.

On October 5^th, 2012 with no warning at all, Cassie slipped into a coma and became paralyzed.  A rapidly moving disease had struck her immune system.  Doctors were baffled and time was running out, "Every day was so long and drawn out and every prognosis was grimmer than the hour before."

After two weeks in a coma doctors diagnosed Cassie with a rare auto immune disease known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, but her boyfriend of two years Matt Michaylo never left her side, "He was just such a wonderful support system.   I call him my rock.  I definitely would not have been able to get through all this without him."

20 days later, Cassie miraculously woke up.  She quickly started progressing.  She went from sitting up to riding in a wheelchair to standing on her own.  "We've had so much support and prayers and wonderful people in our lives.  I think that's why I am where I am right now."

December 23rd, Cassie was finally able to go home.  Matt decided there was no better day to pop the question, "We were walking up to the house to propose and the lights are on and she didn't even see it because she was concentrating on her walking!"

Cassie describes the proposal, "In my backyard these lights came on.  These beautiful beautiful lights and it spelled out will you marry me!  It was incredible."

The couple decided they wanted to share their inspiring story with the world.  A "How did he propose" sweepstakes through Allure Bridal gave them that opportunity.  In January, Matt wrote their love story and submitted it.  Last week the couple found out they were one of eight finalists, "It's far more than just the prize we're just so blessed."

The prize; a wedding dress, bridesmaid's dresses, tuxedos and even a videographer to capture it all, but Cassie says she already won the grand prize, "He promised my parents that no matter what happened, he would take care of me for the rest of his life."

You can help Matt and Cassie by logging onto www.allurebridals.com/vote