As Hailey Lacek of Kalispell, Montana planned her wedding to Ethan Carvey, she had just one wish for her special day.
Hailey has known Jose Guzman since the day she was born. While they’re not related by blood, he’s been a grandfather figure in her life who has helped guide her every step of the way. Hailey intended to have him walk her down the aisle, but fate had other plans.
Hailey says Jose, whom she calls “papa,” was a central figure in her childhood. She and Ethan planned to tie the knot in May 2022, but in March they received dire news about Jose’s health. His cancer had spread from his prostate to his spine and liver. His chemotherapy treatments had also stopped working. Jose and his family had to reconcile with the fact that he was dying, and he most likely wouldn’t make it until May to see Hailey get married.
The thought of getting married without having her papa there broke the young bride’s heart. She immediately thought of ways to move the wedding up, turning to staff members at Kalispell Logan Health for help. The hospital workers leapt into action, pulling off a bedside wedding ceremony in just 24 hours!
“We wanted to make sure that whatever we could do on our end, to have some happiness in this sad time of their life; we wanted to provide that for them,” said Tracia Deal, Kalispell Logan Health senior spiritual care.
Logan Health provided cake, cider, and decorations to transform Jose’s room in the ICU into a makeshift wedding venue. Jose was alert and beaming with joy as Hailey entered his room in her wedding gown, surrounded by a small group of family and friends. The bride gave him a big hug before saying, “I do.”
Logan Health chaplain Reverend Tracia Deal officiated the ceremony. Jose even got to sign the wedding certificate as a witness!
Hailey says she would have been devastated if Jose hadn’t been able to see her get married. She carried his favorite hat with her during the ceremony, a personal item she will cherish long after her papa is gone. She’s incredibly grateful to the hospital for making her wish come true.
These hospital workers really hustled to make sure all of Hailey’s loved ones could witness her special day. We’re so glad Jose got to see his little girl get married.
Share this story to wish Jose’s family well.
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