Olivia was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. She never knew that she would still be exchanging vows for her 25 years of marriage. But it happened.
And The Ruth Foundation was there to grace the occasion.
Officiated by Pastor Spencer Gequillana, and witnessed by her two children, the hospital wedding was a touching expression of love. Diagnosed with cancer in February 2018, Olivia started deteriorating, with her decline aggravated by on and off episodes of pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the lungs) since June 2018.
Of course she cried – but those were tears of joy.
Her husband Dante and her daughter Alliyah (who is also diagnosed with hemangioma) were present to comfort her.
Her nurses, counsellors, and support staff of TRF were also there.
with Pastor Spencer officiating the extra special ceremony.
They were one happy family – in spite of all the trials and difficulties.
Pastor Spencer was so happy to be of service. He said: “Without love, we are nothing”.
Of course, a wedding has to have a ring!
Kneeling down, Dante restated his vow to her: “Hindi kita iiwan...hanggang sa huling hininga mo andito ako sa tabi mo... (I will never leave you...until your last breath I will be here beside you.) I love you.”
Olivia passed away last April 20, 2019, but she and her family will bring with them precious memories. Truly, love prevails over sickness and suffering.