Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

Every day, UVA Health team members strive to meet our mission of "transforming health and inspire hope for all Virginians and beyond." UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center offers a shining example, as team members join forces in a surprising, albeit bittersweet, way — to host a wedding in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “I’ve been here since 2011 and this is the first wedding I’ve been involved in,” says April Morrison, BSN, RN, Nurse Director, Acute Care Services and Nursing Supervisor.

From Diagnoses to Treatments

According to his wife, Debbie Hinton, Michael Hinton was diagnosed and treated for tonsil cancer in 2002, and fully recovered. The radiation from his treatment damaged the same region later attacked by progressive bulbar palsy (PBP), a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In January 2022, Michael contracted COVID. After recovering, he remained exhausted, leading his physician to believe he had long-COVID. His exhaustion became debilitating, forcing Michael to retire.

At the same time, Michael's inability to eat, drink, chew, and speak declined rapidly, which led him to see a then-UVA Health neurologist who delivered the PBP-ALS diagnosis. According to Debbie, Michael's neurologist said the initial years of Michael’s symptoms could be attributed to the radiation damage because his symptoms progressed so slowly; however, when the progression of symptoms suddenly accelerated, ALS began.

This spring, Michael was admitted to UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center with pneumonia, which was a complication of ALS-PBP. “There is no known cure for ALS to date,” explains Zach Hinton, Michael’s son. “According to the statistics, patients with PBP rarely live as long as those with ‘traditional’ ALS.”   

“So he suffered for two and a half years from ALS," explains Debbie. "Unfortunately, because the symptoms of ALS are like other diseases, doctors can easily misdiagnose many patients. Fortunately, the neurologist at UVA Health was able to quickly diagnose Michael so he could get the support from the UVA Health ALS Clinic in Charlottesville he so desperately needed." 

'Fairytale Dream Wedding'

Meanwhile, Zach was engaged to be married to his fiancé Anisha Jackson. They'd planned a wedding for later this year. Michael was a big advocate of their relationship. “We decided to get married quickly so we could make sure he witnessed it,” says Zach, adding that it was Debbie’s idea. 

“Dad wanted to be at the wedding, and in the last year or so, it became apparent that when the time came, he would not be well enough to attend," Zach recalls. "At some point, Debbie came back in the room and said, ‘It’s none of my business, but it would really bless your Dad if you could get married in his room so he can witness your marriage.’”

“I’m so thankful Anisha could see how important it was to Zach; after all, not many would want to have their fairytale dream wedding in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit],” says Debbie.

A team comprised of many different departments at UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center collaborated to make their wish come true.

One UVA Health Team

Alex Kadl, MD, MS, received a call from Debbie, explaining the situation. As Zach and Anisha left the Culper Medical Center to secure wedding clothes and a marriage license, Debbie ordered a bouquet and corsage from a local florist. Charge Nurse Megan Baldwin, RN, and April put their heads together and acted quickly.  

April contacted the chaplain, Belva Dickey, who was not licensed to ordain a marriage, but offered a faith-based segment during the ceremony. Enter Jeff Say, Community Relations Manager, who reached out to Culpeper Mayor Frank Reaves, Jr., to officiate. 

With resourcefulness and creativity and in only a couple of hours, the team — ranging from physicians and nurses to managers and administrative assistants across specialties and departments — moved swiftly, providing the couple and the patient with an unforgettable day.

'When I Said I Do'

Dr. Kadl had seen a few weddings of patients at UVA Health University Medical Center in the ICU, but never the wedding of a patient’s relative. She was so moved, she fashioned the rings for the couple. “We knew they didn’t have rings and there was sparkling paper left over from another event, so I made rings out of the paper,” she describes.

Before exchanging rings, Zach and Anisha placed them on a pillow made of a white blanket stuffed with a disposable hair bonnet. Team members blew up balloons and streamed music. Morrison Healthcare, UVA Community Health’s dietary service, provided red velvet cupcakes. Administrative Assistant Tiffany King partnered with April, Bethany Bettis, RN, and Arlene Messina, Acute Care Services Manager, to make "Best Wishes" festive decorations. 

“It was incredibly touching to witness!" remembers April. "I’m sure I cried when they played the song for their first dance, 'When I Said I Do' by Clint Black." 

Lasting Memories 

The wedding took place in the Critical Care Unit, where CCU technician Melissa Padilla served as a ring bearer. April played “The Wedding March” on her phone as the bride and groom walked from the waiting room to the hospital room.  

Megan — and nurses Beverly Wharton, CCU RN, Chis Robertson, ADN, RN, and Amber French, RN —served as witnesses. Dr. Kadl also served as the “best man” toasting the couple. 

Community Health

“We toasted with some non-alcoholic, sparking rosé we had left over from our New Year’s celebration," Megan describes. "Dr. Kadl bought the family their wedding dinner from Chipotle."

“The nurses and doctors coming together to make this a special moment for the family is true quality patient care," hails Say. "The teams coordinated so well — from our nurses to our food service team, to the mayor. It's impressive to see the moment materialize in a short amount of time. This is what being truly a part of the Culpeper community looks like." 

Even though Michael passed a few days later — Zach, Anisha, and Debbie were incredibly moved by the UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center team, who gave them all a memory to cherish. Says Zach, “Dad was very aware of what was going on and the happiness in the room was palpable. I can’t express how grateful I am that it worked out how it did. Wonderful and amazing things do come out of seemingly hopeless situations.”