G is a 33-year-old female admitted to SW for complications related to a recent diagnosis of stage IV ampullary carcinoma. G was with her SW family for 64 long, difficult days. During this time, multiple family meetings occurred to address the goals of care. Ultimately, the Oncologist shared with the patient and family that the cancer was irreversible, thus palliative care goals became the focus of treatment for the patient.

Earlier in her stay, the patient's boyfriend, D, proposed marriage. The patient and her new fiancé had discussed with SW nursing staff the desire to still get married. Compelled by their new focus on palliative care, a heightened sense of urgency for G and D to be united simmered. Muslimah Shareef, a 5W nurse, asked the leadership team if it was possible to have a wedding for the patient. Unanimously, everyone agreed that we could and should have a wedding for the patient. The SW nursing staff, as they frequently do, went above and beyond to make the wedding happen. It truly was a collaborative event for the 5W team; Su Stone, another 5W RN, obtained a dress and shoes for the patient. Cynthia Bennett, a 5W secretary, made the patient a veil and purchased cutlery for the cake and champagne flutes. Linda Mangino and Ivonne Yagley, two 5 W RNs, purchased a wedding cake. Quinn O'Neal, a 5WNT, made food for the event. Cathy Williams, a 5W RN, secured someone to come in and do the patient's nails. Stacie Lightner, a SW RN, procured a photographer to capture the special moments. Amanda Centner, an Oncology PA, supplied food.

Our wonderful friends from the Wound/Ostomy team were in attendance and provided wedding keepsakes. Muslimah, who took a special interest, coordinated the entire event, including invitations for the family, decorations for the event, bridesmaid dresses, and all the special little frills that made the day unforgettable. The SW team worked with the administration to secure the conference room to hold a small reception. Food and Nutrition services provided drinks and ice during the reception. WakeMed Chaplain services offered to perform the wedding, though the groom's father did officiate. Countless members of the SW team contributed through monetary donations and came in to help set up the big event.

Saturday morning, several 5W staff gathered with G to prepare her for her big day. Her bridesmaids were her 2 sisters, and you guessed it, Muslimah, Su, and Alexis Daye, all 5W nurses. She put on her wedding gown and got in her newly decorated carriage (wheelchair). On Saturday at 12 o'clock, G and D made their vows to each other in front of their family and their newly acquired WakeMed family. Dr. Graham, the oncologist, recited a psalm in both English and Spanish during the ceremony as tears flowed. A beautiful reception convened in the conference room to commemorate G and D's special day. The bride and groom later shared a slice of their wedding cake back in their temporary home on SW, basking in the glow of being freshly married. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of a team united in one resolute and faith-filled goal, and to which no obstacle would that group yield. Please allow this to be an endearing, steadfast reminder of why our patients and families are placed at the top of the inviolate pyramid.