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In This Issue:
Kelly and James Cain
Kelly Cain never imagined celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary in the Neuroscience ICU at BWH, but all that mattered to her on Feb. 10 was that her husband was alive and able to take part in their special day.
"He told me he loved me," Kelly said as she wiped away tears from her eyes. "Today is our actual anniversary. This is wonderful."
Just five days before, James Cain, 50, of South Weymouth, was rushed to BWH from South Shore Hospital. He suffered a stroke, and doctors discovered a brain hemorrhage.
But Cain hit a milestone in his recovery just hours before he and his wife would renew their vows.
He was able to come off the ventilator that had supported him for five days and breathe on his own again. In addition, he regained some feeling on his left side. Kelly knew this was a sign they should go ahead with their vow-renewal plans, and a team from BWH helped to make it happen here at the hospital.
Mary O'Connell, RN, Cain's nurse, and her nursing colleagues decorated his room with balloons and arranged for the ceremony to take place. The Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families donated flowers, and BWH Catering provided a cake.
Nancy Kleiman played the harp outside of Cain's room, while Chaplain Sharon Dickinson, of BWH Chaplaincy Services, officiated at the ceremony. Surrounded by family, including their four children, Nichole, Kathryn, Miranda and Jimmy Jr., the Cains were able to reaffirm their love for each other.
"The whole hospital stepped up," O'Connell said. "It makes you realize you're all one team focused on patients' and families' best interests. The acknowledgement and renewal of their commitment to each other under such stressful circumstances were very touching. This was a beautiful reminder of the importance of loving and caring for each other."
Kelly brought her husband's wedding band and her ring. As Kevin and Michael, Cain's brothers, looked at photographs of the Cains at their wedding in 1989, they said how strong their brother has always been and that they were glad he went to the Brigham to receive care.
"This is the best hospital in Boston," Kevin said. "He's in the best hands he can be in right now."
Cain is recovering from pneumonia and working on regaining movement and strength. Kelly said she's both overwhelmed and appreciative of everyone who was involved in making their 25th wedding anniversary a memorable day.
"It brought our family closer and gave our children hope that their father will fully recover," she said.