A Georgia community is grieving the devastating loss of Sienna Stewart, an 18-year-old high school graduate who tragically passed away just weeks after collapsing at her graduation ceremony.

A Long Battle with Heart Failure
Sienna had been battling severe cardiomyopathy since the age of four, a condition that led to her receiving a heart transplant ten years ago. The transplant allowed her to live a “relatively normal life” for a decade, but earlier this year, her health began to decline.

According to her mother, Saevon Chum, Sienna started experiencing episodes of weakness and collapses. Despite her struggles, the determined teen was committed to experiencing the milestones of her senior year.

Collapsing at Graduation
On May 23, 2024, during her high school graduation ceremony at Hiram High School, Sienna collapsed in front of her peers and family. A video from the ceremony captured the principal asking for a moment as paramedics rushed to her aid.

“When I got there, the ambulance was already there,” Saevon recalled. “She had collapsed… But this was the first time she collapsed unconscious.”

Miraculously, Sienna regained consciousness and made the brave decision to continue with the ceremony rather than going to the hospital. Her only wish was to walk across the stage and receive her diploma.

“All she could tell me was, ‘I just want to graduate, I want to walk.’ That’s all she wanted,” Saevon said, explaining that Sienna had already missed her senior prom due to a previous hospitalization.

A Tragic Loss
Just a few weeks after achieving her dream, Sienna passed away on June 12, 2024. Her family and friends were left heartbroken, remembering her as a fighter who faced her challenges with resilience and courage.

“As a mom, you feel so proud because she just fought through something that hurts her,” Saevon said. “You have to be proud. Till the end, I was proud.”

A Life Full of Promise
Sienna’s obituary revealed her aspirations of attending college in the fall to study sonogram technology. Her determination to build a bright future serves as a testament to her strength and ambition, even in the face of adversity.

Rest in peace, Sienna Stewart. Your bravery and spirit will never be forgotten.