Dr. Erika Frances Amundson and Eli Brownlie Newell’s wedding day took a dramatic turn when Mr. Newell was rushed to the hospital just minutes after they exchanged vows. What started as a joyous celebration quickly turned into a life-threatening situation as Mr. Newell underwent emergency open-heart surgery for a tear in his aorta.
Dr. Amundson, a resident in pediatrics, was the first to notice that something was seriously wrong with her new husband. Despite initial assumptions that he had fainted from wedding-day emotions, Dr. Amundson’s quick thinking and medical knowledge led to the discovery of the aortic dissection.
The couple’s journey from meeting at a dating game show to facing a life-threatening medical emergency together is a testament to their love and resilience. Despite the challenges they faced, including a postponed honeymoon and months of rehabilitation, Dr. Amundson and Mr. Newell decided to have a second wedding ceremony to celebrate their love and commitment to each other.
Their story is one of strength, love, and the power of facing adversity together. As they exchanged vows once again, surrounded by family and friends, Dr. Amundson and Mr. Newell proved that their love is unbreakable, even in the face of life’s unexpected challenges.
