Leonard Florence Center for Living Hosts Memorable Wedding

[L-R: Maria, Catalina, Omar and Stanley]

The café at the Leonard Florence Center for Living, part of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue when Maria Acosta married fiancé Stanley Emerson on March 25. Maria’s dad, Omar Acosta, an ALS ventilator dependent resident at the Leonard Florence Center, always dreamed of being at his daughter’s wedding. As a result, the staff and Omar’s family joined together to coordinate holding the wedding at the Leonard Florence Center.

Forty family members, friends and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare staff attended the emotional ceremony and reception. Omar, 43, was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. At the time, he was given six months to live. He moved into the Leonard Florence Center on February 12, 2025; he and his family quickly became part of the Chelsea Jewish family. Omar mentioned his daughter was getting married and that it was his lifelong dream to attend her wedding. The staff knew then that they wanted to turn Omar’s dream into reality and began planning a March wedding.

Omar’s four children, ranging from 4 to 22, were all in attendance. The ceremony took place in the Center’s café, complete with a white velvet runner, vibrant spring flowers, bridal décor and traditional wedding songs. Chelsea Judge Maria Eugenia Antonetti married the couple, performing the ceremony in Spanish.

“We were thrilled to be able to host such a joyous celebration,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “It was so important to Omar that he be a part of Maria and Stanley’s wedding. The staff was excited to pull together the logistics. Our goal is to help residents lead full, independent lives.”

Maria and Stanley reside in Chelsea, less than two miles from the Center. They, along with their two children and other family members, visit Omar on a daily basis. Maria noted how fortunate the family feels to have Omar reside at the Leonard Florence Center. “Honestly, I feel very grateful that my father lives here,” said Maria. “The entire team checks on him throughout each day, making sure he is as comfortable, talking to him and helping him live as independently as possible. He couldn’t be in better hands.”