Friends and family of a cancer-stricken Ontario man are trying to raise money for his wedding after doctors told the 26-year-old he has months to live.
Solomon Chau, a chef originally from St. Catharines, and his fiancée Jennifer Carter had moved to downtown Toronto and were planning to get married for Aug. 22, when their dreams of the future hit tragedy.
Late last year, Chau was rushed to emergency after experiencing excruciating pain in his lower abdomen. Doctors found a cancerous tumour on his liver, which had ruptured.
Chau underwent emergency surgery and spent Christmas in hospital.
Doctors told Chau his health would be back to normal in a few months’ time, but in late March the pain was back.
A CT scan found that tumours had re-grown on his liver and the cancer had spread to his entire body.
Doctors gave the couple heart-breaking news: Chau has only a few months to live.
Now, friends and family are raising money to throw Carter and Chau a wedding in Toronto, determined to see their “true love story” through to matrimony.
Close friend Samantha Eek said after receiving the news regarding Chau’s health, a group of 15 friends put their heads together to brainstorm what they could do for the couple.
Eek said Chau is the “most selfless person” she knows. “He’s in the worst possible situation and he’s more worried about Jenn,” Eek said.
Eek says Chau’s final wish is to have one last trip with Carter, so the GoFundMe campaign is also raising money to send them on an “unforgettable trip,” as well as cover any unforeseen medical costs.
“We’re hoping he will be well enough to go,” Eek said.
Friends are also trying to attract attention from Chau’s idol, ex-MMA fighter Georges St.-Pierre, over social media in the hopes the celebrity will meet with him.
The hashtag they’re using on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is #GSPmeetsSolomon.
“We’re just trying to keep (Chau’s) spirits high, and do as much as we can for him and Jenn,” Eek said.
