Photo: Courtesy Santiago Gonzales
A 30-year-old Indiana woman lost her battle to cystic fibrosis just two days aftermarrying her fiancé in a hospital ICU.
Anna Gonzales — who was diagnosed with the disorder as an infant — died at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday of the disease, her brother, Santiago Gonzales, tells PEOPLE.
“Traumatic,” Middleton tells PEOPLE of the death of his new bride, who had been in “shock” when she was told about a week ago that her condition was rapidly declining.
“She thought she would live at least until she was 40,” he says.
Justin Middleton (left) with Anna Gonzales (center), family and hospital staff.Mike Dickbernd
The couple started dating about three years ago. Middleton, 26, was so smitten that they moved in together a few weeks later. He loved “her laugh,” Middleton says, and the way “she would do silly things to make people talk to her.”
“She was spontaneous, a little witty,” he adds.
Middleton popped the question about two years ago and had been trying to save money for their wedding. But then Gonzales was admitted on June 2 to the hospital, and about a week ago was told “she didn’t have much time left,” Middleton says. “One of her biggest wishes was to marry. It meant the world to her.”
Justin Middleton and Anna Gonzales (center) with hospital staff.Mike Dickbernd
That’s why hospital staffers jumped into action, sewing the bride a wedding gown and veil that could be fitted around her breathing tubes, decorating the room and bringing in cake and gifts.
Gonzales was able to say, “I do,” even as she struggled to breathe, a common result of cystic fibrosis, agenetic disease that affects the lungsand makes mucus thick and sticky. The average life expectancy of adults with cystic fibrosis is about 37, according to theU.S. National Library of Medicine.
Anna Gonzales (bottom) with a hospital employee.Mike Dickbernd
Though the couple was not legally wed because of Gonzales’ overwhelming medical bills, her brother says he’s grateful his sister got her final wish.
“It was a dream come true,” he says of the nuptials. “It was like a fairy tale. She finally met her Prince Charming… I just know it meant the world to her.”
source: people.com
