On May 25, 2025, John Bartel and Tracy Anderson said “I do” — not in the backyard they had planned, but in a hospital atrium surrounded by love, courage, and resilience. Just a week before their wedding, John was rushed to the emergency room with severe back pain. He was soon diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a serious form of cancer that affects the bones, including the spine.
Despite the shock and uncertainty, John and Tracy knew one thing for sure: they still wanted to get married. As John began treatment and his condition stabilized, the incredible nurses and staff at Cambridge Tower A transformed the Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies floor into a heartfelt wedding venue. Family and friends flew in from across the country — Michigan, Oklahoma, and beyond — to witness their beautiful ceremony.
John and Tracy’s love story began at a gym in 2019, where Tracy was a personal trainer and John joined for a fitness challenge. Their first date was on New Year’s Eve, and from that night on, they knew they had something special.
Now, as they begin married life together, they also face the challenge of cancer treatment and recovery. With unwavering love and strength, they are ready to walk this difficult path — hand in hand.
Please consider supporting John and Tracy as they navigate medical expenses and the journey ahead. Every donation, share, and message of encouragement makes a difference. Thank you for being part of their story.
