A Mother's Dying Wish Comes True As Her Daughter Weds (Photos)

SANTA MONICA, CA — Nina Heard's dying wish was to see her daughter walk down the aisle.

And in 24 hours, with the help of staff at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Heard's wish was granted. She watched her daughter Noel walk down the aisle.

In October 2019, Nina was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 breast cancer, according to the hospital. She has been fighting the disease for nearly two years and recently was hospitalized for treatment at Saint John’s.

As Nina’s condition worsened, her family shared that her last wish was to see her daughter Noel married, the hospital said. So Noel and her fiancé Jacques Arzu decided to bring their wedding to Nina at the hospital, creating a special ceremony for the family.

Saint John's caregivers Wednesday transformed the hospital's chapel and board room as the wedding ceremony and reception venue. From valet attendants to the nursing team, everyone worked together to make the moment special for the bride and groom and their family.

One nurse created a bridal bouquet and boutonnieres for family members, while others helped Nina get ready before the ceremony. The Food and Nutrition Services department also catered the wedding, providing hors d’oeuvres, fruit, champagne and even a wedding cake.

Shortly before the afternoon ceremony, Nina’s nurses brought her to the chapel in her hospital bed. She and her husband Terry Heard held hands and smiled as they watched Noel and Jacques say, “I do.”

Several Saint John’s caregivers attended the wedding as well, looking on with joy and cheering as the couple were pronounced husband and wife.

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