Watch above: A terminally ill mother’s long-time wish to wed the man of her dreams has come true, thanks in large part to the kindness of strangers. Shallima Maharaj has the touching story.
EDMONTON – A 28-year-old mother, who is battling stage four stomach cancer, is finally married to the love of her life, and it’s all because of the generosity of complete strangers.
Surrounded by a small group of their family, close friends and their five children, Megan Wolfe and Josh Melnyk tied the knot Wednesday afternoon.
“Incredible. Just very, very delighted, very excited,” said the groom.
“I couldn’t be any happier. This is a dream come true,” added the blushing bride.
But times haven’t always been so happy for the couple. In February, Wolfe — who had recently lost her father unexpectedly in a workplace accident — was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Doctors say she likely has only one year to live.
On top of that, the newlyweds — who are from Saskatchewan — lost everything they owned earlier this summer when their house flooded.
“My heart immediately just melted,” said Shantell Scragg, Melnyk’s cousin and Wolfe’s Maid of Honour. “I was like, ‘What can I do for her?'”
Scragg immediately started brainstorming and began an online fundraiser. But what came next was more than she could have ever imagined.
“Things started just pouring in,” said Scragg. “It’s gone beyond what we could have ever dreamed about.”
From the bride’s dress and flowers to a photographer and a restaurant for the reception, a total of $35,000 worth of funds and services quickly came in.
“Everything you can think of has been provided – even the liquor,” said Scragg.
After much planning, the couple exchanged vows at the Union Bank Inn Wednesday afternoon. They chose to get married in Edmonton because that’s where most of their family live.
“We’re very honoured to be here and to have everything come together,” said Melnyk.
“I really appreciate everybody doing this for me. It really means the world to me,” added Wolfe.
The happy couple plans on making a permanent move to Edmonton in the coming weeks so Wolfe can continue receiving treatment.