August 12, 2026
Through Hartford HealthCare’s Legacy of Compassion, caregivers create treasured moments that honor each patient’s life and legacy. Inspired by the 3 Wishes Project, the initiative helps clinicians engage patients with advanced illness and their families in conversations about what matters most, while fulfilling simple yet powerful wishes that bring comfort, connection and dignity at the end of life.
“In Spring 2026, we had a breast cancer patient who knew she didn’t have much time left,” shares Hailey Miller, RN, a nurse from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s ICU. “Her partner of 20 years had been at her bedside throughout her decline, and her family asked if they could invite an officiant to marry them in our ICU.”
The ICU team enthusiastically rallied to make the couple’s special day a reality. Using materials they had on hand, the team transformed the patient’s room into a wedding venue.
“National Nurses Week was the week before, so we still had many decorations,” says Hailey. “We decorated her room very beautifully with many silk flowers and made a veil for the bride out of a thank-you card. She wore it proudly all day…we have never seen someone beam like that.”
“In the ICU, we experience so much death, we realize how precious life is,” shares Jen Bellefleur, RN, BSN, Nursing Director of the ICU. “To pull this off in just a couple of hours was really impressive. The family came to us and said they hadn’t seen her that happy in months.”
The ICU wedding is just one example of how the 3 Wishes Project creates special moments for patients and families during life’s most difficult transitions. According to nurses Jen and Hailey, it also reinvigorates and inspires their colleagues.
“For us, it’s about being kind and compassionate to people during their challenging time,” says Jen. “We talk to the families and learn what’s important to them. We orchestrate meaningful experiences like weddings, taking them outside one last time, coordinating visits with animals, and creating keepsakes like printed cardiac rhythms and hand and footprints. We’re able to make it very special for people.”
“It gives us a sense of peace, that we can do something meaningful for these families,” adds Hailey. “We go through the emotions as well, and to help them get through this, it helps us too.”
Stories like this wedding reflect Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to compassionate, patient- and family-centered end-of-life care. With continued philanthropic support, Hartford HealthCare’s Legacy of Compassion could provide dignified care and lasting moments for nearly 3,500 patients and their families each year.
If you, your family, or your organization is interested in supporting Hartford HealthCare’s Legacy of Compassion or exploring other ways to support our mission, please contact a member of our Philanthropy Team.