BOBÌåÓý

The walls of BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital are filled with countless stories. Some celebrate the end of treatment, milestones in care, birthdays, work anniversaries, and much more. However, no one can claim they got married, had a baby, and celebrated their birthday â€� all within one month â€� while being treated within the walls of BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital, except for Hilca Menieur Nunez.

Hilca was 31 weeks pregnant when her water broke, just three days shy of her wedding day. She arrived at BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit unaware of what the next few weeks would look like. Hilca learned that she would need to be hospitalized for the remainder of her pregnancy, and that her wedding would need to be postponed, but her care team had a different idea.

Hilca’s nurses, doctors, family, and care team were determined to make sure that her wedding day could come to life. Although they did not have a beach available like the original plan, they had a chapel and a willing team of pe In just three days, teamwork began to make the dream work.

Shianne Todd, R.N., cared for Hilca and worked to organize the wedding. Erika Wert, M.D., also helped organize the big day and officiated the wedding. They brought in Chloe, a volunteer service dog, as flower puppy (her parents are Margaret and Tom). Brittany Heck, M.D., served as the videographer and Lindsey Fragale, M.D., was the photographer. Lauren Silva, M.D., was the Spanish interpreter for the groom and family. Nurse manager Janice Mackenzie, R.N., and charge nurse Rachelle Kolacia, R.N., were on hand for support and coordination. Adolfo Gomez filled the role of chaplain support. LaKesha Lynum, assisted with reception decorations and clean-up, and Machaela Hall, unit assistant from Mother/Baby Unit 95, was the notary and witness.

Love filled the walls as family brought in decorations, Hilca traded her hospital gown for a wedding gown, and everyone worked together to make this wedding a reality. On June 21, Hilca and her partner Walter Pena shared their vows surrounded by loved ones, a team that went above and beyond, and a four-legged volunteer in the Interfaith Chapel â€� BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital.

“When people ask me, ‘why would you get married in a hospital?� I say, it’s because they cared,� Hilca shared.

Following the ceremony, a celebration continued in a conference room just outside of Hilca’s room. They shared their first dance, toasted to forever, and celebrated their new beginnings. Despite the change of plans, the love and joy were unstoppable.

Over the next 20 days, their littlest love continued to grow and on July 11, they welcomed him into the world. As baby Julian made his appearance, the room broke into singing “Happy Birthday,� because not only was he here safely, but it was Hilca’s birthday too.

Hilca shared that the care she received from each team was “perfect.� From when she first arrived, to the day Julian graduated from the NICU, “every step along the way was perfect. The care was amazing,� she said.

As Hilca reflects on her time at BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital and all that transpired in just a few weeks, she is especially grateful for Shianne Todd, R.N., who truly made a difference. Todd’s care went beyond her professional duties, leaving a profound impact on Hilca and her family. Not only did she provide exceptional care, but she also brought together a team to help plan the wedding, an act of kindness that fills Hilca with overwhelming gratitude for everyone involved.

The memories this care team created in just a few weeks will be written on the walls of BOBÌåÓý Shands Hospital, and in Hilca’s heart, forever.