Michigan Woman Waiting on Double Lung Transport Says Yes to Wedding Proposal

An Upper Peninsula woman who has been waiting on a double lung transplant is about to get married. Her boyfriend of five years popped the question Thursday on the front lawn of the Grand Rapids hospital where she is a patient.

Kaitlyn Sterling's Journey

Kaitlyn Sterling is from Hubbel Michigan, about 10 miles northeast of Houghton in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder known as antisynthetase syndrome in November of 2021, according to Detroit's WDIV-TV. Sterling then spent several weeks in ICU on life support.

Before her diagnosis,she enjoyed yoga, teaching jiu-jitsu and hiking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

After stays at numerous hospitals, Kaitlyn is receiving intensive rehabilitation therapy at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. She still uses a ventilator to assist her breathing but is finally able to walk around unassisted.

Sterling began dating Stan Myaskovskiy five years ago. The TV station reports that Myaskovskiy has been by her side the entire time.

The Proposal

With the help of hospital staff, Myaskovskiy popped the question last Thursday (5/12) on the grounds of the hospital.

The engagement ring Stan presented to his soon-to-be-wife is engraved with the words "Together in the Storm."

“You mean the absolute world to me,” Myaskovskiy told Sterling during the proposal. “And whatever hardships are ahead of us, and whatever good times are ahead of us, I’m fully committed to you.”

Watch the touching proposal in the video below. Spoiler alert:  She says yes.