From UT HealthTYLER, Texas - After nearly 35 years together, Donald and Renee Hudman recently decided to make their lifelong partnership official, prompted by heartbreaking news they received during a hospital stay: Donald's cancer was spreading, and there were no curative treatment options remaining.

Donald, 59, was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer in May and had been undergoing treatment when his health took a sudden turn.

In late June, he was transported by ambulance to UT Health Carthage before being transferred to UT Health Tyler.