In the midst of planning her dream wedding, Ismini Svensson decided it wasn't really what she wanted. Instead, she and her fiancé Mark Svensson ditched their wedding and honeymoon plans to do something extraordinary.
The couple opted to use the money instead to pay it forward with 50 acts of kindness — in all 50 states. They set out on the road, meeting people in need and hoping to make a difference. They call it 50 Acts of Giving Back, inspired by Ismini's father, who passed away suddenly at a charity event.
The pair have been on the road for two years now, creating unforgettable memories along the way, recently visiting a woman in North Carolina who was dying from lung cancer.
"She said, 'I was in pain and lonely, and I was praying for a miracle and you guys opened the door and you showed up with flowers and presents.' I will never forget that moment," Ismini told ABC11. "We both realize that what makes us the happiest is helping people in need."
Please SHARE their incredible story with everyone you know.
In Delaware, the couple bought groceries and visited disabled elderly.
In Philadelphia, they provided meals to the homeless.
They traveled to Asheville, North Carolina where they visited patients suffering from cancer at Mission St. Joseph Hospital.
They traveled to Pensacola, Florida in an effort to support the Humane Society where animals are provided food, shelter, medical care and love.
In Amarillo, Texas, they supported the elderly by providing flowers, presents, hugs and helping with grocery shopping.
They met and provided support to veterans and their families in Oklahoma City.
More than a quarter of New Orleans residents live in poverty, so the couple traveled there and gave gifts to underprivileged children.
They donated to the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, which provides shelter and treatment to abused, abandoned, and unwanted horses.
