Not sure if this is even possible and/or allowable but...
I was going to suggest - If OP had enough miles (or points converted) could the OP transfer miles to a willing 1K/GS, that 1K/GS book the award flight on their behalf and then cancel if necessary with no fee and re-transfer to OP if the other option came through?
But looks like the transfer fee is $0.015 per mile (without the current 25% discount) so it doesn't seem to make financial sense to do what I proposed.
As someone who lost a parent to cancer just over a year ago I certainly feel for the OP. If I had the miles currently I'd just book it as paying it forward but my current balance is ~2500 miles.
Isn't there a sub-form on FT for these types of issues but you need a minimum post count?