An entire community has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic and untimely passing of Sienna Stewart, an 18-year-old high school student. The heart-wrenching incident occurred when she collapsed during her graduation ceremony.
According to the reports filled with sorrow, Sienna had endured a long and arduous health battle. Ten years ago, she underwent a life-saving heart transplant. However, in April of this year, she received the devastating diagnosis of heart failure. Since the tender age of 4, she had been living with severe cardiomyopathy, and her health took a further downward turn earlier in 2024.
The transplant, which had been a beacon of hope, had seemingly enabled her to lead what could be considered a “relatively normal life” for a decade. But as time passed, the young woman’s strength began to wane, and she started to “grow weak and slow down.”
Saevon Chum, Sienna’s mother, opened up about her daughter’s recurring health episodes. Sienna had experienced multiple instances of collapsing, and one such distressing episode took place on Thursday, May 23, 2024, during her long-awaited graduation day.
In a video that quickly spread after being shared by Hiram High School, the panicked voice of the school principal could be distinctly heard shouting, “Just give us a moment, please. We have a student in need. Just give us a moment…”
By the time Saevon reached the scene, emergency medical services were already in full swing, tending to her daughter. “When I arrived, the ambulance was already there,” she recounted with a heavy heart. “She had collapsed again. This time, it was different; it was the first time she lost consciousness.”
Miraculously, a few minutes later, Sienna regained awareness. Despite her weakened state, her determination shone through. Instead of opting for an immediate trip to the hospital, she made the resolute decision to stay and complete her graduation ceremony.
“All she managed to convey to me was, ‘Mom, I just want to graduate. I want to walk across that stage.’ That was her sole desire. She had already missed her prom due to her hospitalization, and she wasn’t going to let this moment slip away,” Saevon shared, her voice choked with emotion.
Tragically, just a few short weeks after proudly receiving her hard-earned diploma on that fateful day, Sienna passed away on Wednesday, June 12.
“Even through the pain, as a mother, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. She fought so bravely against all odds. I was proud of her every step of the way, right up until the very end,” Saevon said, tears glistening in her eyes.
As stated in Sienna’s obituary, she had big dreams for the future. She had set her sights on attending college and was all set to embark on a journey to study sonogram technology in the upcoming fall semester. Her untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, but her spirit and determination will surely be remembered for years to come.