In sickness and in health.

Indeed, how a couple responds to health challenges while in a domestic relationship speaks eloquently of their love and commitment for each other.

Despite a debilitating disease that has stricken the bride, the groom promised to be by her side. Amid challenges of sorts, they pursued their wedding while the bride is admitted at a private hospital in Mandaue City.

Ayen Sanchez and Jurry Brigoli were set to wed on March 23, 2025. Everything was all set for the wedding. However, on the wedding day, Ayen felt ill, was rushed to the hospital, and had to be admitted - again.

Ayen suffers from Stage 4 gastric cancer.

The family sought the assistance of the hospital management as the wedding was scheduled that day. They asked permission to use the facility to have the wedding officiated.

In a matter of hours, the hospital chapel was prepared for the wedding in what seemed to be a "bayanihan" of medical workers and their staff members. 

“Nakita nako decorated na ang chapel. Ready na sa bride, daghan diay kaayo didto mga nurses, healthcare staff, doktor nagpaabot sa entrance sa bride gipakpakan, daghan naghilak, daghan mga luha niagas, wa ko ka-help sa ako kaugalingon nihilak pod ko kay grabe ka emotional to nga scene,” Mae Jefferies, a sibling of the groom said.

Jurry and Ayen have been live-in partners for years. In fact, they already have six children. They children were all present in the hospital chapel for the wedding.

According to Mae, despite body malaise, Ayen persisted to finish the ceremony.

She said that though Ayen felt it was the most akward situation to be on one's wedding day, what is most important is that she felt overflowing happiness on her special day.

“Gihimo niya ang kusog nga magpabilin siya nga magmata, makita gyud nimo nga happy kaayo siya. Nihilak siya and I think kadto nga luha is tears of joy jud to. Thankful kaayo ko sa UC Med gihimo ninyo ang bride nga pinaka-happy niadtong adlawa,” Mae said, referring to the University of Cebu Medical Center.

Ayen and Jurry’s respective families have called for earnest prayers and empathy for the couple.

“For now, mag-ask lang mi og continuous prayers kay naka-confine pa siya…kay daghan man siyag treatment and mga tests nga i-undergo,” Mae added.