Leonard Florence Center for Living Hosts Memorable Wedding

Maria’s dad, Omar Acosta, an ALS ventilator dependent resident at the Leonard Florence Center, operated by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, always dreamed of being at his daughter’s wedding. As a result, LFCL staff and Omar’s family joined together to plan a wedding at the Leonard Florece Center.

Forty family members, friends and CJL 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 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 immediately knew they wanted to turn Omar’s dream into reality and began planning the logistics of hosting a March wedding.

Omar’s four children, ranging from 4 to 22, were all in attendance as well forty family members, friends and CJL. 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 Antonetii 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.”

Both Maria and Stanley reside in Chelsea and work close by. Maria is s a passenger service representative at Logan Airport and Stanley owns Pelon Livery Taxi, a transportation company. The couple live less than two miles from the Center. They, along with their two children and other family members, visit Omar daily. Maria noted how fortunate the family feels to have Omar live at the Leonard Florence Center. “Honestly, I feel very grateful that my father is at the Leonard Florence Center," 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.”

As the country’s first urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility, the Leonard Florence Center provides a level of independence not typically found in other skilled nursing facilities. The Stein Family Center for Well-Being, the only Green House® ventilator program in the country, opened within the Center in 2020. Currently, the Leonard Florence Center takes care of more individuals living with ALS than any place else in the world.

About Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

Chelsea Jewish Lifecare is redefining senior care and re-envisioning what life should be like for those living with disabling conditions. The eldercare community includes a wide array of skilled and short-term rehab residences, ALS, MS and ventilator dependent specialized care residences, traditional and specialized assisted living options, memory care, independent living, adult day health, and homecare and hospice agencies that deliver customized and compassionate care.