Dying mother's final wish for daughter
Athena Krueger’s dying wish was to celebrate her daughter's first birthday.
So when she knew her time had come, the young mother checked herself out of hospital and went home to plan an elaborate party for little Amari.
The 33-year-old, from Minnesota, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time she fell pregnant.
She began chemotherapy just 15 weeks later and at 32 weeks, gave birth to her daughter via Caesarean section.
Athena continued to receive treatment but the cancer soon spread to her lungs, lymph nodes and brain.
Her Husband Ben said she wanted to celebrate Amari's birthday at home, despite doctors' concerns.
"They strongly disagreed, but I told them this was the way it was going to be," he told Today Parents.
"We knew things weren't real great, and her point was, 'If this is the only one of her birthdays I'm going to see, I want it to be grand.
"They could either help me, or I would sign the forms to take Athena home without their help."
Athena's doctors eventually agreed and she was sent home with hospice care.
Family and friends helped organise the party, which was themed Alice in Wonderland and included elaborate costumes, beautiful place settings and a special cake for Amari.
300 people attended.
Ben said he hoped photographs from the party would help Amari remember her mother.
“Between the pictures of this party and everything, they'll help me teach Amari all about her mom as she grows up," Ben said.
"I don't want her to ever forget who she is or where she came from, it's pretty amazing."
The couple celebrated Amari’s actual birthday several days later.
Athena died the next day.
News break - May 28
