The heartfelt gathering brought joy to Tracy, who smiled through her pain as carolers filled her street, singing her favorite holiday songs. Thousands showed up, a remarkable turnout inspired by her story. "She wanted to make sure she could see Christmas," shared Rita Monteiro, a close friend who organized the event alongside Tracy’s family. With the community’s support, the early Christmas became a moment of pure love and connection, reminding everyone of the power of compassion and togetherness, even in the face of heartbreaking circumstances.
Woman's final wish was to celebrate Christmas, community joined hands to make it come true
A community in Virginia surprises a woman battling ALS with an early Christmas celebration.
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, but the strength to keep hope alive often shines brightest in the darkest moments. Tracy Demeyer, a mother and wife from Virginia facing the final stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a testament to that resilience. Despite having just weeks to live, she embraced the holiday spirit with the help of her Chesterfield County community, who came together for an unforgettable celebration. According to CBS affiliate WTVR, neighbors and friends gathered outside her home to bring Christmas early, ensuring Tracy could experience the holiday she loved so dearly.
“Thanksgiving is next week, so if she only has a few weeks, now is the time,” Monteiro added. The invite to the gathering was also shared online via Facebook by Demeyer’s other friend, Rita Jaget Ellis. “Tracy’s family is preparing to say goodbye, and we’re asking for a heartfelt gift of Christmas caroling to lift her spirits in these precious last days,” its bio read, asking the local community to make the festival come early for the ailing woman. Notably, the event reportedly turned out to be a huge success as over 1,000 carolers flocked outside Demeyer’s house on November 16.
“Blown away by the turnout,” Demeyer’s son, Brian Demeyer, told WBBT that caroling always remained close to his mom’s heart when she used to actively celebrate Christmas. Moreover, he lauded the “incredible” experience reflecting the true spirit of Christmas. Demeyer also took part in the singing with the carolers who were standing encircling her house’s porch. Assisted with oxygen support, Demeyer got cheered up upon seeing her friends and members of the local community. “I pray that she carries the love that she felt tonight every day that she has,” said Monteiro, adding she would be happy to do anything for her friend.
Additionally, the house was adorned with Christmas ornaments placed throughout beautifully. "It's very hard because the disease challenges every part of your body. And what it hasn't touched is her spirit. So with that in mind, we knew that we had to do this," Monteiro explained the importance of the celebrations for her friend. Furthermore, the organizer wanted to make her last Christmas truly special. Monteiro went on to say that she could not imagine a holiday season without seeing her friend. “You can’t give somebody that’s sick or dying a gift, you can’t take it with you, but what you can take with you, the love that you feel in your heart, the community, knowing how embraced you are,” she said.
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