East Tennessean marries in Atlanta hospital

Just weeks after graduating law school, Katie Ferraris, who grew up in Farragut, was diagnosed with acute Leukemia.

Even though the illness has put most of her plans on hold, Leukemia could not stop her from her greatest dream, getting married. Two weeks ago, she and her boyfriend, Keith Taylor, tied the knot at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

"She was about to become a lawyer," says Garry Ferraris, Katie's father. "She was preparing to take the bar exam." Just as everything seemed within reach, life handed Katie Ferraris a tremendous blow.

"It was devastating to all who love her," says Ferraris.

Katie was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia.

"I recall driving to Atlanta July first and crying the entire way there," says Ferraris. "As soon as I saw her, she lit up the room with a smile."

The Farragut High graduate has spent the majority of the last six months at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Even though traditional treatments have failed, her spirit and strong faith have never wavered.

"Katie has kind of been the calm in the center of the storm throughout this," says Ferraris. "She's fought with a 'never give up' attitude and has handled it with grace."

In turn, Katie has inspired others.

"Everybody who comes in contact with her who feels absolutely terrible, feels better after talking to her about it," says Ferraris.

Despite the horrible sickness, the greatest blessing came from Katie's only regret.

"She said she was not afraid to die, but one of her regrets was that she would not get to marry Keith," says Ferraris.

Two weeks ago, Katie was a blushing bride. Loved ones and some complete strangers helped create the wedding of her dreams at Emory. Nurses threw her a bachelorette party, an Atlanta designer gave her a dress and doctors even stood by as she walked down the aisle to longtime boyfriend Keith Taylor.

"She smiled her beautiful smile and it was an extremely happy day for everybody," says Ferraris. "There were tears, but tears of joy."

Through a special webpage, Katie Ferraris Taylor has created an outreach, a way to keep in touch with family and friends in Knoxville and across the country. At the end of each update, she leaves readers with words of encouragement, either an inspiring quote or one of her favorite verses from the Bible. "While they're trying to bless her, she's been blessing them," says her father.

Katie and her family are still praying for a miracle. Anyone who wants to donate blood for Katie Ferraris can call Medic Blood Center at 865-524-3074 or visit their website for blood drive locations.