Well done ! A horrible subject matter, a touching photo.
Couple of ideas for your next shoot. Get your models to turn their bodies 3/4 on to the camera, looking into the lens (or looking down)Off camera flash 45* to the subject, move them further from the backdrop to blur it out or open up the apperture to decrease the D of F.
Please pass on my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Dave