Connellsville man diagnosed with end stage liver disease
Unity organization makes Kessler’s wedding wish come true VANDERBILT – The wish of a 42-year-old Connellsville man recently diagnosed with end stage liver disease will come true Sunday when he and his wife renew their wedding vows.
Lonnie Kessler and his wife Bobbi will celebrate their dream wedding made possible by the owners who operate a hospice house out of their Vanderbilt residence.
“I’m grateful for everything,” said Lonnie Kessler, who is looking forward to the first dance with his bride.
Kessler’s wish was made possible by Unity, A Journey of Hope, a nonprofit organization established in 2005 by John and Bobbi Robinson.
The couple began Unity as a means to give back more to their patients with John being a registered hospice nurse.
“Unity gives a person something that their disease process may have taken away whether it’s hope, joy or a bit of laughter,” said John Robinson. “That’s the most important thing.”
Bobbi Robinson, who is Kessler’s cousin, said she managed to organize the wedding in three days with the help of local businesses that donated everything for the ceremony and reception from the gown and tux, to the limousine and wedding rings.
“Everyone’s got behind this wish 100 percent,” said John Robinson as Unity continues to receive phone calls from people still wanting to help.
The Kessler’s dated at 13-years-old, but went their separate ways before finding each other again 15 years later.
While the Kessler’s celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in February, they never had a formal wedding since they were initially married at Bobbi’s sister’s house as part of a surprise that also fell on her sister’s birthday.
While Bobbi Kessler said she’s a little nervous, Lonnie said he’s ready.
Bobbi’s daughter, Mindy Addis, will serve as her maid of honor and her 5-year-old granddaughter is going to be the flower girl with Lonnie’s brother, Lee Kessler, the best man.
Lonnie Kessler said he’s already written his own vows, while Bobbi said she’s still working on hers.
Kessler’s wish is the 52nd one granted by Unity over the last three years, each paid for with various fundraisers held throughout the community.
It is also the first wedding request, with other wishes ranging from trips to theme parks, dinners and meeting celebrities.
John Robinson said each wish recipient is allotted $500 since all funds are donated; however, if the request exceeds that amount, it is reviewed by Unity’s board of directors.
Charlene Franklin, Kessler’s sister, said her brother initially thought of seven possible wishes, but in the end chose wedding rings, which turned into the wedding the couple never had.
As a token of their appreciation, the couple has extended an invitation to the individuals and businesses that donated to spend the afternoon with them at the Sons of Italy in Connellsville.
“Everyone’s been so good to us,” said Bobbi Kessler.