Medical Problems No Longer Keep Couple From Saying "I Do"

Published: 
October 26, 2009

Medical Problems No Longer Keep Couple From Saying "I Do"

Couple exchanged vows at Florida Hospital after the groom suffered a stroke the day before their original wedding

ORLANDO, Fla., October 26, 2009 - Wayne Zambelli and his fiancée Donna Rottach were the ultimate biker couple. The two were avid riders who had planned to exchange their vows in a motorcycle ceremony on March 29, 2008.  But the day before the wedding, Wayne had a stroke that resulted in Locked-in syndrome.  This type of condition allows the victim to be mentally alert while the body is completely locked or frozen in place.  Wayne spent weeks of recovery at Florida Hospital Orlando with Donna by his side.  He went home for some time, and then found himself back in the hospital dealing with some complications.  Wayne still does not have full mobility and very limited speech, but he and Donna decided it was time for them to exchange vows at the place where they have been given hope that Wayne will get better.  That is why they decided to trade in the biker wedding for a more traditional service in the chapel at Florida Hospital on Friday, October 23, 2009.

"These people at Florida Hospital have gone through all of it with us," said Donna Zambelli, shortly after their ceremony.  "This was the right place for us to get married; it is exactly how I pictured it."

Florida Hospital staff members arranged for a hospital chaplain to perform the ceremony and the staff decorated a room and prepared food for a reception for the couple.  Nurses and rehab specialists that have worked with Wayne during his recovery turned in their scrubs for wedding attire for the couple's special day.

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

 www.floridahospitalnews.com

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