Ernestine C.

Two months ago, December 25th I got engaged.
About a month later I was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts at a major hospital in K. C. Kansas.
My head was spinning with this information because there was no history of breast cancer in my family.
I decided to go looking for my wedding gown to take my mind off of what I just thought I just heard.
I googled some shops and the only shop that was open at 10:00 was the Gown Gallery down town Kansas City, Missouri, so I decided to go there first.
The pictures of the gowns in the window was amazing! Perfect for my style, oh and on my 2nd visit to my Primary Care Physicians, my physician said she purchased a gown from them for a formal affair she attended.
After going up a flight of stairs I arrived at the desk and was greeted by Robin Sweet. She greeted me with an out stretched hand and a great big warm smile. She asked me what was my price range and what style was I looking for. I showed her some pictures on my phone. She explained where she would look to see if she could help me. She then sat me at one of there small tables and offered me a cup of tea while she searched for what I was wanted. She was so very professional and helpful.
Well, as it turned out they were the only shop I visited.
To my surprise she brought up a total of four gowns but # 4 made me feel like the bride I had never experienced in my first wedding some 48 years earlier. I was finally going to wear a formal gown!
I felt beautiful! No longer depressed about the diagnosis of possible cancer.
The seamstress, who also was so friendly, warm professional was amazing also. She fixed my hemline and made adjustments to my straps and agreed to replace a button that was missing by using all new buttons in the back. They are beautiful. Off she went to do her magic to make my dress fit perfectly.
I returned a few days later and told them that I was diagnosed with cancer in both breast. Both Robin and my seamstress consoled me. They were so kind and thoughtful and wished me the best but then they turned my attention to trying on my altered gown.
I was speechless! It was perfect!. I even tried on some shoes that were stunning but my budget would not allow it so I declined the shoes. As my sister and I headed out of the door, Robin stopped me and said "we can have your gown steamed in 30 minutes if you want to go across the street and get something to eat. When my fiance and I came back to pick up my gown, to my amazing surprise, Robin had gifted me the shoes! I was in tears!
Life had turned my attention from negative, foreboding thoughts to a great big happy smile full of hope and joy for my wedding day.