Aliana Gleason married her partner, Bailey, in a ceremony arranged by staff at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Englewood, Colorado, after she was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma that had spread to her spine. Hospital employees organized the no-cost wedding just two days after the couple's engagement, lining a hallway with white sunflowers, balloons and streamers. The couple exchanged vows promising mutual support amid medical and personal challenges and described the ceremony as meaningful and perfect.
Hospital Staff Create Dream Wedding for Bride After Rare Spinal Sarcoma Diagnosis
GoFundMeA photo of Aliana Gleason walking down the aisle surrounding by staff at HCA HealthOne Swedish
Aliana Gleason and her partner of 11 years, Bailey Gleason, married in an impromptu yet moving ceremony organized by staff at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Englewood, Colorado. After Aliana received a diagnosis of a rare sarcoma that had metastasized to her spine and left limited treatment options, the couple decided not to postpone their plans any longer.
GoFundMeAliana and Bailey Gleason on their wedding day at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Colorado
The oncology team and hospital employees rallied to arrange a no-cost wedding just two days after the engagement. Matt Turrie, a nurse manager in the hospital's oncology department, explained that when staff can do something meaningful for a patient and their family, they try to act.
GoFundMeA photo of Aliana Gleason getting treatment at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Colorado
'There is not a lot you can always do, so when there is something you can do — by supporting the family, supporting the patient, being able to put on something like this, a wedding, a celebration — we do it,' Turrie told local media.
Video shared with local news captured staff lining a hospital hallway to form a makeshift aisle. Employees held white sunflowers while balloons and streamers decorated the floor as Aliana walked toward Bailey. The scene brought together clinical staff, support teams and volunteers who wanted to celebrate the couple despite difficult circumstances.
GoFundMeAliana and Bailey Gleason share a kiss at their wedding at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Colorado
Aliana wore a white gown with a tiara and jewelry, and Bailey wore a blue suit with a purple tie. During the vows, the pair promised to stand by each other through treatment and the broader challenges they face as a family. 'We are going through some of the hardest things you can go through right now in our lives, not just medically,' Aliana said, 'and it was a promise to just stand next to each other and face the storm together.'
GoFundMeAliana and Bailey Gleason on their wedding day at HCA HealthOne Swedish in Colorado
Both described the improvised ceremony as deeply meaningful. 'I'm just blown away. It made me feel really supported and see the goodness in people,' Aliana said, while Bailey added that the day felt perfect and true to what they had wanted.
The wedding highlights how hospital staff sometimes go beyond clinical care to support patients' emotional and social needs during serious illness. The Gleasons' story has resonated with many who shared messages of support and admiration for the staff who made the day possible.
Help us improve.
