Friends and family raise funds for dying Toronto man’s wedding

Solomon Chau has just months to live.

Late last month, the 26-year-old chef from Toronto learned that tumours had regrown on his liver — he had emergency surgery over Christmas after a tumour ruptured — and had spread throughout his body.

He likely wouldn’t live until his August nuptials with fiancée Jennifer Carter.

So Chau’s friends and family stepped in, determined to make a wedding happen as soon as possible — including an “unforgettable trip” for the couple.

“On behalf of Solomon, and in reaching out to the GoFundMe community, Solomon’s family and friends wish to give this beautiful couple the chance to have their wedding as soon as possible in a time of Solomon’s good health, and to give Solomon a chance to take part in as many of life’s joys and experiences as possible,” they wrote.

“We’re just trying to keep (Chau’s) spirits high, and do as much as we can for him and Jenn,” close friend and fundraiser Samantha Eek told CTVNews.ca.

“We aren’t doctors, but we wanted to help and to get the community involved,” Vince Lauro, a friend who has known Chau since Grade 1, told the Toronto Star.

Carter and his groomsmen have already had their tuxedo fittings for the rescheduled ceremony, which will take place this month.

“We have had tons of friends who were always looking for a way to help in any way possible and it just means so much that they would do this for us and that others would give,” Carter told the Toronto Star.

So far, they’ve raised more than $40,000 for the couple.

“We are amazed with all the love and support that has flowed in so quickly from the community,” the friends wrote on gofundme. “Solomon has been incredibly encouraged by all the people who have reached out thus far, and feels lucky to be surrounded by people who love him.

“Solomon is a kind-hearted man who wants nothing less than to know his loved ones will be taken care of. Donations above and beyond will help establish a foundation in honour of Solomon’s fight, which aims to create an education fund for his two young nieces, and an annual scholarship in Solomon’s name.”

Chau and Carter are trying to take advantage of every moment they have left together.

“The last person you want to see struggle is your other half when you would do anything to take their place,” a tearful Carter told the Toronto Star. “Not everyone is that lucky to find their other half and so for those that do, they have to be thankful that they’ve got it and that they’re still in their arms.”

Friends of Chau are also hoping his story gets the attention of ex-MMA fighter Georges St.-Pierre — so that Chau can meet his idol — by using the hashtag #GSPmeetsSolomon on social media.

“Thank you again to the people who have been by my side fighting since day one — it is your comfort and constant love that has been keeping my spirits so strong. Love you all,” Chau wrote on Facebook.