Teen in Hospice with Terminal Cancer, Has 1 Last Wish to Marry Sweetheart Before Dying
Who doesn’t love a romance story, especially when it involves young love. But one love story will have you reaching for the tissues before it’s over.
Dustin Snyder, 19, and his girlfriend, Sierra Siverio, had been together for close to three years. They had known each other since they were young and had even dated briefly in middle school.
But the day that Snyder walked into the local Steak N Shake, the real romance began. Siverio had been working at the restaurant that day and, from that moment on, the two were a couple.
They dated through high school and both earned scholarships to play ball in college. Then, right before Snyder’s 18th birthday, tragedy stuck.
Snyder was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and was scheduled for surgery. After removing one lung and undergoing chemotherapy, doctors announced that Snyder was cancer-free.
The celebration was short lived. Six months later, the cancer had returned to his bladder where doctors were able to remove it again. Unfortunately, that was not the end of his struggle.
Snyder began experiencing abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital. It was determined that the cancer was back, this time attacking his pelvis area and stomach. His battle seemed to be never ending and at 19 years old, Snyder was put into hospice care.
But the love story between Snyder and Siverio continued. Siverio had never left his side through it all, helping him through all of the painful times.
“I love her. She’s been there for me through this whole process,” Dustin said. And with one final wish for a life that will come to an end too soon, Snyder said that he had to marry Siverio.
With a pain pump connected to his heart, the two scouted out the wedding venue, The Big Red Barn, a donation made by the owners.
The community also rallied together to collect donations for a bit of bling in wedding rings as well as the bridal gown. This all thanks to Snyder’s sister, Brittany Hails.
Hails posted her brother’s request on Facebook asking for help, and people came through with donation after donation.
“The experience has been amazing,” Brittany said. “My brother will have an amazing day.”
Though the love story is bitter sweet, the week of wedding planing was a touch of magic that they will both treasure. With the wedding plans made and thanks to the generosity of the community, Snyder will get his final wish.
“We have made our goal for the wedding but any extra will be going for the cost for when the day comes for Dustin to be at rest,” Hails said.
“I love and appreciate everyone so much,” said Hails. For now, Snyder and Siverio count their blessings, happy that they had found their soulmates in each other.
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