Love truly conquered all for a woman recovering from a traumatic burn injury.
Nurses and staff at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital rallied around the patient and her fiancé to hold a special wedding ceremony at the facility’s chapel Thursday.
Arianna Esquiline, 34, suffered severe third-degree burns Jan. 3, when flames burst from a barbecue grill while she was on vacation in Miami. Over the last six weeks, she underwent 12 surgeries and intense therapy.
“She has made an unbelievable turn and improved in her recovery, and we are all very proud of her,” said Dr. Jonathan Freedman, a burn surgeon at the hospital.
Esquiline and her fiancé, Elvin, became engaged last May. After battling back from her injuries, she told him she didn’t want to wait any longer to say, “I do.”
“After the whole process here, I asked if she still wanted to get married to me, and she said yes,” Elvin Esquiline said. “I said we will get married and she said now, right now in the hospital.”
Within two weeks, Elvin secured a marriage license and the plans were set for Feb. 12.
Speaking from her bed in the burn trauma ICU, the bride said the accident brought her life into focus.
“After this happened, it made me realize this is the man I want in my life,” she said. “I am thankful for all the doctors and nurses that take care of me.”
Hospital staff organized the ceremony just days before Valentine’s Day. Lizette Otero, the hospital’s chief nursing officer, said the team was eager to help the couple rejoice in their love.
Esquiline still faces multiple surgeries in the coming weeks, followed by rehabilitation. Once discharged, the couple plans to return to their home in Fort Myers with renewed gratitude for life and each other.