A young mother suffering from terminal illness married her fiancé in an intimate ceremony in Edmonton Wednesday, following a fundraising campaign that helped make the couple’s wedding dreams a reality.

Megan Wolfe, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer, and Josh Melnyk exchanged vows before family and friends.

Wolfe, 28, and Melnyk have twin boys together and three other children from previous relationships. Their blended family is still recovering from a spring flood that destroyed their home and everything they owned.

To help finance and fast-track their nuptials, a friend created a Go Fund Me crowdsourcing effort that helped pay for Wolfe’s dress, and medical and travel bills. Another fundraising effort helped secure wedding expenses, such as the wedding venue, limousine and cake.

The couple said they are grateful for their special day as they weather hardships together.

After Wolfe was diagnosed with cancer, Melnyk said he researched all the treatment options and potential cures. Wolfe underwent one round of chemotherapy, but doctors realized during surgery that her cancer had spread. Wolfe has been told that chemotherapy and radiation would only prolong her life.

“There’s no cure, there’s no chance, she’s terminally ill and I just wish there was a miracle,” said Shantelle Scragg, Wolfe’s maid of honour.

Though her energy is tapped, Wolfe said on her wedding day that her resolve has been made stronger through the kindness of others.

“More than what I expected, for sure,” Wolfe said, her voice breaking with emotion.

During the ceremony, Melnyk vowed to be by Wolfe’s side “through all obstacles and barriers we have to overcome in life.”

Wolfe and Melnyk’s story has resonated with others, including those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Salon owner Christina Dominelli, who did Wolfe’s hair for the big day, said she lost her father to cancer when he was 47 and she was 18.

“So when I heard this story, it holds a piece to my heart very dear,” Dominelli said.

Shelley Carrier, general manager at Union Bank Inn, where the couple got married, said she was moved by the family’s love for each other.

“What touched me particular, is that she wanted this as a gift for her family, so they would remember her as celebrating life,” Carrier said.

With a report by CTV Edmonton’s Serena Mah