Jim Koch and Lora Koch have been married for 26 years. Last February, Lora was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jim planned on proposing again to his wife for the sake of their love, according to People.
Jim had to redesign and readjust Lora’s wedding ring because it had reached the point where it was too small for her finger. But instead of handing the ring back to her, Jim got down on one knee and proposed to his wife.
Jim and Lora lives in Panora, Iowa. He told People, “I hadn’t planned on re-proposing, but I thought, ‘Well I have a ring, I should put it on her left ring finger and say a few words.’ I wanted to let her know that the ‘In sickness and in health’ vows we made still stand. I’ll always love her.”
Jim, who’s 60 years old, had their daughter, Christin Koch, take photos of the sentimental and heartwarming moment. She posted the photos on Twitter and got retweeted for over a hundred times.
Christin told People, “My parents have something a special. It’s touching to see that after 26 years. Dad is still showing mom that he loves her so much.
Lora said that she was so overwhelmed by happiness that she couldn’t do anything except cry her heart out when her husband went down on one knee and proposed.
Lora, who’s 54 years old, told People, “I was so happy and relieved, it was a reassurance that while cancer is going to change my life a lot, I know that one thing will always stay the same.”
She continued, “His love for me is forever and our shared faith will last.”
Lora found out about her breast cancer when a doctor discovered that she has a tumor when she was on her routine mammogram in January. Since they caught it at an early stage, doctors said that her prognosis were looking good.
Lora underwent a bilateral mastectomy with plans of reconstruction two weeks ago. She was recovering when Jim re-proposed to her.
Jim said, “She wasn’t having a great day. I thought this would cheer her up and remind her of my love and commitment.”
Lora said, “We have so much love and support from Anna and Christin and our entire Iowa community. We are so blessed. I just hope my story can be a reminder that women should be getting mammograms when they can, because you never know.”
Lora was set to have her reconstruction surgery in the following months. Jim’s proposal for the second time gave her strength and self-confidence.
