Amy McLean, BSN, RN; Kim Polley, ADN, RN, Aya Abulhassan, LLMSW
May 2021
P2 Oncology-Medicine
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit
,
MI
United States
Amy McLean, BSN, RN; Kim Polley, ADN, RN; Aya Abulhassan, LLMSW
Together with M, her partner, and M’s family, the date, time, and strategy for the marriage ceremony were all planned meticulously. Money was collected, food was planned, music and decorations, including a red carpet, were designed.
At the age of 25 years, Ms. M was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia that carries a poor prognosis. At the time of her diagnosis, she was in school studying for entrance into the nursing program and she was in a relationship with her long-term girlfriend. Her life had been moving in a positive direction when everything came to a screeching halt. That’s what a diagnosis of acute leukemia does to a person at any stage of life. But, when it happens to a very young person just at the cusp of stepping into adult life, I think we feel it harder.
M moved along with her treatment, but the going was tough. Through ups and downs, including a relapse with refractory leukemia, she finally got to have her bone marrow transplant. Following the transplant, she had only a brief time, not more than two or three months of peace and tranquility, when she relapsed again. With her post-transplant relapse, she also developed severe graft vs. host disease of the liver. She has been required to be hospitalized for approximately the past two months. Overall she was doing poorly.
Amy McLean P2 RN was frequently M’s nurse. She developed a strong and supportive relationship with M. When things were not looking good, Amy became the ringleader for the next steps to support this nomination. She recruited Kim Polley, RN, and Aya Abulhassan, Case Manager, and together they planned M’s marriage ceremony with her long-time partner. Together with M, her partner, and M’s family, the date, time, and strategy for the marriage ceremony were all planned meticulously. Money was collected, food was planned, music and decorations, including a red carpet, were designed. Also, Amy arranged for an ordained minister to conduct the ceremony.
The wedding took place in the conference room on Friday at 1:00 pm. The tables and chairs were removed from the conference room and an altar and other decorations were in place. M, dressed in a dark suit, needed to be in a wheelchair to come from her room to the conference room but she wanted to stand for her vows. She was very weak and briefly fell but was caught by Amy. M’s and N’s mother and sisters were all in attendance and dressed to the nines. N looked beautiful in a long, white, backless gown. Other family members, including M’s grandmother, attended by Zoom. The minister said his words and N and M each read vows they had written themselves and the minister performed the ring ceremony. More words and then M and N were married. The minister assisted them to sign their marriage license. Many photos and videos were taken. Staff and anyone who was able to attended. It was a beautiful ceremony and one that will not be forgotten by anyone in attendance. Following the ceremony, M was elated. Sadly, however, she was transferred to the Medical ICU a few days later and passed away.
M moved along with her treatment, but the going was tough. Through ups and downs, including a relapse with refractory leukemia, she finally got to have her bone marrow transplant. Following the transplant, she had only a brief time, not more than two or three months of peace and tranquility, when she relapsed again. With her post-transplant relapse, she also developed severe graft vs. host disease of the liver. She has been required to be hospitalized for approximately the past two months. Overall she was doing poorly.
Amy McLean P2 RN was frequently M’s nurse. She developed a strong and supportive relationship with M. When things were not looking good, Amy became the ringleader for the next steps to support this nomination. She recruited Kim Polley, RN, and Aya Abulhassan, Case Manager, and together they planned M’s marriage ceremony with her long-time partner. Together with M, her partner, and M’s family, the date, time, and strategy for the marriage ceremony were all planned meticulously. Money was collected, food was planned, music and decorations, including a red carpet, were designed. Also, Amy arranged for an ordained minister to conduct the ceremony.
The wedding took place in the conference room on Friday at 1:00 pm. The tables and chairs were removed from the conference room and an altar and other decorations were in place. M, dressed in a dark suit, needed to be in a wheelchair to come from her room to the conference room but she wanted to stand for her vows. She was very weak and briefly fell but was caught by Amy. M’s and N’s mother and sisters were all in attendance and dressed to the nines. N looked beautiful in a long, white, backless gown. Other family members, including M’s grandmother, attended by Zoom. The minister said his words and N and M each read vows they had written themselves and the minister performed the ring ceremony. More words and then M and N were married. The minister assisted them to sign their marriage license. Many photos and videos were taken. Staff and anyone who was able to attended. It was a beautiful ceremony and one that will not be forgotten by anyone in attendance. Following the ceremony, M was elated. Sadly, however, she was transferred to the Medical ICU a few days later and passed away.