A Colorado hospital orchestrated a surprise wedding for a couple whose plans were upended by a serious cancer diagnosis. Aliana and Bailey Gleason, who have been together for 11 years, were engaged but had postponed their wedding while waiting for the “perfect” moment. This moment took on new urgency when Aliana received a diagnosis of a rare sarcoma that had metastasized to her spine, leaving her with limited treatment options.
Upon learning that the couple had recently become engaged, staff at HCA HealthOne Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, sprang into action. In just two days, nurses, doctors, and hospital personnel organized a beautiful wedding ceremony within the hospital, free of charge, allowing the couple to celebrate their love without further delay.
“There isn’t always a lot you can do,” said Matt Turrie, the nurse manager at the hospital, in a statement to local news outlet 9 News. “But when you can bring love and joy into someone’s life, you do it.”
Despite enduring painful treatments and challenging news, Aliana maintained a positive outlook, inspiring those around her with her resilience. The couple expressed that their wedding day was everything they had hoped for, with Bailey stating, “I wouldn’t change anything.” Aliana echoed his sentiment, affirming, “Me either.”
Supporters of the couple have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist them with the mounting expenses associated with Aliana’s long hospital stays as she begins hospice care in Denver. The Gleasons’ story has resonated deeply, illustrating the power of love and community support in the face of adversity.