A community is in mourning following the untimely death of an 18-year-old high school student who collapsed during her graduation ceremony.
18-year-old Sienna Stewart was diagnosed with heart failure in April, as per tragic reports, following a transplant ten years prior. Sienna had been afflicted with severe cardiomyopathy since the age of four and began experiencing symptoms earlier this year.
The young woman reportedly experienced a “relatively normal life” for 10 years following the aforementioned transplant, but she subsequently began to “slow down and become weak.”
Mother Saevon Chum disclosed that her daughter had episodes of collapse, including one that transpired during her graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The principal of Hiram High School is heard shouting in a video that was shared by the school. The principal is heard saying, “Please, give us a second. We have a student. Just give us a second.”
Paramedics were already attending to her daughter when Saevon arrived. “The ambulance was already present when I arrived,” the mother recollected. “She had collapsed.” She had experienced an additional episode. However, this was the initial instance in which she experienced unconsciousness.
Sienna regained consciousness a few minutes later and ultimately opted to attend her ceremony rather than travel to the hospital.
I was only able to hear her say, “I simply want to graduate and walk.” Saevon stated, “That was all she desired, as she had already missed her senior prom due to her hospitalization prior to that.”
Tragically, Sienna passed away on Wednesday, June 12, just a few weeks after receiving her diploma.
“As a mother, you are filled with pride because she has persevered through an ordeal that has caused her pain.” It is imperative that you are proud. “I was proud until the very end,” Saevon stated.