Georgia HS graduate dies weeks after collapsing during ceremony [VIDEO]

Georgia HS graduate dies weeks after collapsing during ceremony

In a heartbreaking turn of events, 18-year-old Sienna Stewart, a Hiram High School graduate, passed away. It was just weeks after collapsing at her graduation ceremony on May 23. Despite her struggle with severe cardiomyopathy and a recent heart failure diagnosis, Sienna’s determination allowed her to walk across the stage and receive her diploma. Thus, it’s a moment her family will cherish forever.

Sienna’s mother, Saevon Chum, recounted the emotional day to FOX 5 Atlanta, expressing pride in her daughter’s resilience. “She’s still smiling,” Chum said, reflecting on the video of Sienna’s triumphant walk at the graduation ceremony. The event took a sudden turn when Sienna collapsed. As a result, leaving her unconscious on the ground. Paramedics arrived promptly, and Sienna regained consciousness, insisting through tears that she wanted to complete her walk across the stage despite her condition.

Diagnosed with severe cardiomyopathy at the age of four, Sienna had undergone a heart transplant at eight, which granted her ten years of relative normalcy. However, her health deteriorated this April when she was diagnosed with heart failure. As a result, leading to her collapse during the graduation.

Sienna’s perseverance was evident as she crossed the stage unassisted, determined to claim her hard-earned diploma.

“She was just strength and resilience, she was just so strong,” Chum described her daughter.

Tragically, just two weeks later, Sienna suffered another collapse. Chum recounted the terrifying moment of holding her daughter and making a desperate 911 call. Despite seeming to recover briefly in the hospital, Sienna passed away on June 12.

Chum, grappling with the loss, shared her profound pride in Sienna’s fight against her illness.