By Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Shaylah Brown (TNS)
In a hospital, they were married. The couple are currently waiting for the groom to receive a heart transplant.
About a year ago, Brian DeRoss, 54, and Mallory DeRoss, 39, began their adventure together while they were employed at the same company. According to Mallory, it all started with a straightforward conversation with a Jolly Rancher.
June 29, the couple’s special day, was noteworthy for Mallory, who has a penchant for astrology. They get engaged in mid-June after meeting in September 2024.
The planet Mars is associated with my zodiac sign, Scorpio. Mallory said that he has the moon and is a Cancer.
Mallory claims that the moon and Mars are reported to have shared a kiss on that day.
It wasn’t always certain that the wedding would go place, even on that fateful date.
In 2021, Brian, who lived in Elk Creek, Erie County, received a heart failure diagnosis. After spending a few weeks in Allegheny General Hospital, he was prescribed medication. He was spared surgery since his heart remained steady for some time.
However, he reluctantly went back to the hospital in March when his heart failure symptoms—shortness of breath and water retention—resurfaced. When he arrived at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, the situation had gotten worse. After his admission to Allegheny General, medical professionals installed a left ventricular assist device, which helps the heart pump blood to the body mechanically.
According to Brian, this equipment does have a shelf life, but only until I have a heart transplant.
The week of the wedding, weeks after the procedure, he became aware of a gastrointestinal ailment. He had been in the hospital for more than a month and was afraid of missing his wedding, so he was hesitant to go back.
“You need to come in here and get treatment,” said Madelyn Deiss, mechanical circulatory support coordinator at Allegheny General Hospital, “because the infection needed to be treated immediately.”
DeRoss consented to come in after being convinced by his mother and Mallory, as well as by Deiss’s assurance that she would make the wedding happen no matter what.
On April 16, they implanted the equipment in me. However, I became aware of the infection in mid-June. “They informed me that I had a blood infection,” he stated. They saved my life by keeping me in the hospital for a week.
The couple’s romantic milestone was made possible by the assistance of the Allegheny General Hospital staff.
The couple’s Erie friends attended the spontaneous wedding that Deiss organized in the hospital courtyard, officiated by a friend. Deiss brought a cake and decorations for Brian’s room, along with her colleague Laura Lynn.
It required some work to coordinate. Brian had to leave his room with heart-related equipment that still needed to be watched.
Deiss stated, “We simply made it happen.”
She assists patients in adjusting to the machine’s lifestyle modifications in her capacity as an LVAD coordinator. Although she doesn’t typically work on the weekends, this one was particularly noteworthy.
Deiss stated, “I felt privileged to be able to do this for them.”
At the hospital, their generosity made a difference.
According to Brian, it restored some of my faith in humanity.
Deiss stated, “It reminded me of why I am a nurse.” I could see firsthand how I could contribute to anything significant. I am recognizing his priorities and treating him as a complete individual.
Due to a problem with the initial surgery, Brian needed a second machine to be installed during his most recent hospital stay.
Mallory’s love keeps him going through everything.
He remarked, “It just makes me smile and spark.” She is the first person I think of when I say my prayers and count my blessings each morning.
I doubt I would still be here without her. Most likely, I would have passed away in my bed.
The two are now not wasting any more time. Their top priorities are getting Brian a heart transplant and hoping to live a long life together.
It won’t be simple because Brian’s temporary handicap has expired and he can’t work.
He remarked, “I’m trying to scurry for survival.”
He is carrying two big electrically powered machines.
He said, “I have to have this black case; it’s critical.”
His house is given priority access to a generator in the case of a power outage. Despite these difficulties, they continue to be happy. The list still includes a house and a heart transplant, though not necessarily in that order.
Brian said, “It’s not an easy ride.” I am simply thankful that I have air in my lungs and can open my eyes each day.
Spending time with family and friends is essential to living completely. Walking and spending time in nature with Mallory’s daughters, ages 17 and 13, and Brian’s 19-year-old son.
We no longer take the days for granted. “We aren’t residing,” Mallory stated.
“The chance will present itself,” Brian stated. That door will be opened by someone. It all comes down to being prepared.
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