Disabled Man Surprises Partner by Proposing on One Knee in Physical Therapy

A wheelchair-dependent man with multiple sclerosis refused to let his disability stop him from getting down on one knee to propose.

Living with multiple sclerosis has been a difficult challenge for Cody Guinn, 38, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015. As his mobility has deteriorated, he has had to adapt his life in many ways, including using a power wheelchair and doing physical therapy two to three times a week.

There has always been one gesture that he was unwilling to sacrifice, however, and that was getting on one knee to propose. Guinn, of Oregon, told Newsweek that proposing on one knee is “a sign of respect” to the love of his life, Maisy Kucera, and he knew he wanted to find a way to make it happen.

“I was raised with traditional values and morals, which I still respect,” Guinn said. “I think it’s important for younger generations to see that play out.”

On June 19, Kucera, 24, was at one of Guinn’s physical therapy sessions and she was asked to assist. At the time, Guinn was out of his wheelchair and was kneeling beside a box, while Kucera stood in front of him—only to be stunned by the sight of a small ring box in her partner’s palm.

Guinn knew he wouldn’t be able to get down on one knee anywhere else, so he made sure to use the physical therapy to his advantage. Although it was somewhat painful for Guinn to do, he said it was “so worth it.”

Kucera told Newsweek that it was the “perfect setup for the proposal” and she wasn’t expecting it.

Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition, causes the immune system to mistakenly attack myelin cells, which are protective covers surrounding the brain and spinal cord nerves. The damage interrupts the signals that nerves send throughout the body to perform functions such as vision, sensation and movement.

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, The Mayo Clinic says that almost 1 million adults in the U.S. are living with the condition. Symptoms include fatigue, vision changes, muscle weakness, stiffness, numbness or pain, loss of balance, and difficulty with cognitive function. The couple, who have been together for less than a year, are planning to tie the knot in October 2025.

The footage of Guinn’s romantic proposal was shared on his TikTok account (@guinnsjourneyzz) and it has melted millions of hearts online. In a matter of days, the clip went viral with over 1.5 million views and more than 246,100 likes at the time of writing.

The online response has been incredibly positive and supportive of the couple, who continue to document their journey on social media to show the realities of living with multiple sclerosis.

Kucera said: “We have felt immense love and support from our online community and hope to continue to connect with people from all around the world too can relate to our story.”

Internet users have praised Guinn’s romantic gesture, leading to more than 720 comments on the viral TikTok video so far.

One comment reads: “As a therapist I would literally be sobbing in the back and unable to contain myself. Congratulations to you both.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “That was the most precious proposal omg.”

A third person responded: “Bawling [because] you know he put in so much effort to perfect that stance, congratulations.”

One commenter added: “How beautiful is this?! That’s a real love right there.”

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