Hailey Lacek of Kalispell, Montana, had only one wish for her special day as she planned her wedding to Ethan Carvey.
Jose Guzman has known Hailey since the day she was born. While they are not blood relatives, he has served as a grandfather figure throughout her life, guiding her every step of the way. Hailey had planned on having him walk her down the aisle, but fate had other ideas.
Jose, whom Hailey refers to as “papa,” was a significant figure in her childhood, according to Hailey. She and Ethan had planned to marry in May 2022, but in March, they received devastating news regarding Jose’s condition.
His prostate cancer had spread to his spine and liver. His chemotherapy treatments had also ceased to be effective. Jose and his family had to accept the fact that he was dying and that he wouldn’t live to see Hailey’s wedding in May.
The young bride’s heart ached at the prospect of getting married without her papa present. She immediately considered methods to bring the wedding ahead in time, calling to Kalispell Logan Health professionals for assistance. The medical staff sprung into action, organizing a bedside wedding ceremony in under 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 donated cake, cider, and decorations to turn Jose’s ICU room into a temporary wedding setting. As Hailey entered his room in her wedding gown, accompanied by a small group of relatives and friends, Jose was alert and beaming with delight. The bride hugged him tightly before saying, “I do.”
Reverend Tracia Deal, chaplain at Logan Health, officiated during the wedding. As a witness, Jose even got to sign the wedding certificate!
Hailey said she would have been crushed if Jose had been unable to attend her wedding. She wore his favorite hat to the service, a memento she will treasure long after her father is gone. She is extremely grateful to the hospital for fulfilling her wish.
