real life

This hospital just gave a cancer patient the wedding of his dreams.

 

Aric Mercado has been battling Non-Hodgkins lymphoma for seven years – but that didn’t stop him from marrying the love of his life this week.

Aric, 40, and Ashley, 29, have been together for 11 years and have two young daughters.

Image via Facebook.

They have been engaged for the past nine years, but have been unable to marry because of Aric’s condition – until now.

Aric’s illness had worsened in recent weeks and he decided that it was finally the right time to wed.

He is being treated at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and the hospital rallied behind the couple to throw a beautiful, surprise wedding.

Image via Facebook.

The hospital supplied a cake, flowers and even champagne and the Mercado’s children made their parents’ wedding rings.

Ashley wore a veil and carried a bouquet and held Aric’s hand throughout the emotional ceremony.

Hospital staff attended the wedding and cheered once the couple were finally pronounced husband and wife.

Image via Facebook.

Aric had to return to bed immediately after the ceremony, but said he was elated he and Ashley were finally husband and wife:

“We promised our kids for years we were going to get married. I decided if I had to go, I’d rather go married than not, just to show we love each other.”

Image via Facebook.

The Mercado’s church is now accepting donations to help Aric get insurance.

Congratulations, Aric and Ashley.