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\"I really think the weddings almost kept me going in a way, because it would have been really easy to just hide in bed, but I had this purpose that the world kept turning,\" she said.

\"PHOTO:
Kelsey Combe Photography
PHOTO: Sarah Marks (bride) and her mother Susan get ready before Sarah’s wedding on Sep. 30, 2017, five days after Combe’s father died.
>

\"Seeing the brides and grooms with their healthy happy parents there with them gave me mixed emotions, but I was happy for them and that I could be there to give them these pictures that will one day mean so much to them and their family.\"

\"PHOTO:
Kelsey Combe Photography
PHOTO: Combe photographed Jessica Czahur and Tom Giametta's wedding on June 17, 2017, three days after her mother died.
>

She continued, \"I know that the photos really, really matter to those families and in the end and that’s what got me out of bed to these weddings.\"

Riding for a cause

Combe said although the experience was difficult she actively looks for ways to preserve her parent's spirit and honor their memory outside of photography.

After their mother's initial battle with cancer Combe's sister put together a team for Cycle for Survival, an indoor team cycling event by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center that raises money to fund lifesaving rare cancer research.

Last year, all of the siblings participated, which Combe said meant the world to their mom. \"I have a text from my mom and dad after last year's ride,\" Combe said, adding that at the time their mom had been battling terminal cancer for over a year and didn't know their dad would also get it.

\"PHOTO:
Cycle for Survival
PHOTO: Elliot Fuller (brother), Crissie Vitale (sister), Kelsey Combe at Cycle for Survival at Equinox in Chicago Feb. 2017.
>

Her mother's text message said, \"Thank you all so much for taking the time to do what you did today. I can't express how much it means to me!\"

Combe said this year will be a challenge after losing both parents to rare forms of cancer, but she is looking forward to sharing their story. \"I think knowing if they were here what it would mean to them will make it a pretty emotional ride.\"

\"I remember someone gave a speech between rides last year saying that cancer can strike at any time and take someone you love so quickly,\" Combe said. When that message became her reality Combe said Cycle for Survival became the perfect platform for her to inspire others and fundraise for a cause that will help prevent families from experiencing the same thing.

\"We don't have control over this life, we really can't control the outcome and ending, which my family learned in a big way, but we can control how we act and spread kindness through hard times. That's something my parents taught me and that's what I want to share,\" Combe said.

\"Cycle for Survival is a literal representation because I’m not riding to save my parents, but it could save potential future heartache.\"

This year, Combe and her siblings will lead two Cycle for Survival teams called the \"Fuller Flyers.\" They will ride in Chicago later this month and then Combe and her sister will ride at the event in New York City in March alongside many of Combe's brides and grooms.

As many of you know, we lost both of our parents to rare forms of cancer within the last 8 months. Yes, both. My sister created The Fuller Flyers three years ago, to ride with @cycleforsurvival and raise money for rare cancer research. 100% of donations go directly to rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where both of my parents were in clinical trials that lengthened their lives. I’m raising money for our rides in Chicago and New York this year. Please consider donating whatever you can, to help us eradicate cancer and change the future. Donation link in my profile bio. Or you can google “Fuller Flyers” to find us. #CycleforSurvival #rarecancers #cancerfamily #memorialsloankettering #beatcancer #lcsm #griefsupport #family

A post shared by Kelsey Combe Photography (@kelseycombephoto) on Feb 1, 2018 at 7:53am PST

\"Sharon and Doug Fuller were extraordinary parents and people,\" Combe said. \"I want everyone to know how wonderful they were.\"

Combe penned a personal essay about her family's experience. Read the full text below.

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