At HOPE, we’re honored to be a part of some wonderful love stories of some of the most resilient people we know. One such couple is Mark and Jesca Daniels.
Mark and Jesca first married in 2009, on Jesca’s birthday, just one month after losing their firstborn child, Jaxon. Thankful to have each other, they married without family or friends present, forgoing a formal wedding. Over the years, they expanded their family with the addition of 2 daughters.
While on his 3rd deployment in June of 2013 – just two days after his youngest daughter had heart surgery – Mark and his K-9, Aura, were hit by an IED while returning from patrol, resulting in injuries for them both. After the trauma, he was awarded a Purple Heart and offered medical retirement, which he denied, deciding to continue his tour in Japan.
Inspired by this brave couple’s journey, HOPE decided to step in and granted them a Warrior’s Wish for the wedding ceremony they didn’t get to have. Exactly 4 years after Mark and Aura’s combat injuries, the couple celebrated their lives, family, and new beginnings with a vow renewal ceremony.
Jesca shares, “We are eternally grateful and humbled for the opportunity to celebrate our love and life with the people we love. We would not have been able to make this happen without Hope For The Warriors. This whole experience will be one our family will cherish for the rest of our lives.”