Melbourne grandmother Freda Razos was too unwell to attend her granddaughter Anna’s wedding, so her family brought the wedding to her at Epworth Richmond hospital.
The family arranged for a corsage from the wedding florist to be delivered to Mrs. Razos. They also provided bonbonnieres and made sure she could watch the ceremony live from her hospital bed.
The hospital staff joined in the celebration. Nurses Kahlia and Loren created a wedding arch using IV poles and fairy lights. Kalpana gave Mrs. Razos a blow wave, while Kim organized a special wedding meal for her.
Mrs. Razos had been admitted to the ICU after contracting COVID-19, which developed into pneumonia and pneumonitis. Her condition was critical just days before the wedding, but she has since improved and moved to the ward to continue recovering.
Mrs. Razos said she had a feeling she would not be able to attend the wedding before she became ill. She was very happy to still be part of the day.
“I am very close with Anna, and it was lovely to be a part of her most special day. She looked beautiful,” Mrs. Razos said. “The Epworth staff did so much to decorate the room and make it special for our family.”
The bride’s mother, Toni Tsalikis, said her mother and Anna share a close bond.
“Mum was cheering Anna on and waving at the screen while watching the ceremony. She really felt part of the day,” Toni said.
“It has been a difficult week before the wedding, but the nurses at Epworth went above and beyond for mum. Our family is very grateful to the ICU staff. The care was outstanding.”
To thank the ICU team, Mrs. Razos, who enjoys baking, asked her daughter to deliver homemade Greek sweets to the staff.
“They made an important day feel truly special for our family. We are incredibly thankful,” Toni said.
