Dying Texas Dad of 5 Fulfills Last Wish to Marry Love of His Life a Week before Passing Away

When doctors told a man he only had a few days to live, he told them his final wish — he wanted to marry the love of his life. Many people came together to help fulfill what would be his last request, making things happen in less than 48 hours.

Noah and Jade Lathrop met in 2018 in California's Bay Area, where Jade was a bartender. Both of them were already parents at the time — Jade had one kid, while Noah was a father of three.

While Noah said he felt something for Jade, he wasn't sure if it was mutual since she was 12 years younger than him. Fortunately, things worked out for them; they quickly became lovers and best buddies.

A Trip to the Doctor

Since Noah worked in the casino business, he and Jade moved to Florida, followed by Texas, where he took his career forward. The couple also embraced parenthood during that time and welcomed a boy, Aries.

Even though he was weak from his chemo sessions, Noah was able to get out of bed and go down on one knee.

Everything was going well for the couple until things took an unexpected turn. In the fall of 2021, Noah complained of pain in his lower back. The doctors initially said he had sciatica, but when treatment didn't help and the pain intensified, he went for another check-up.

The Diagnosis

Noah's second trip to the ER proved life-changing — he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The heartbreaking diagnosis was made in November 2021 and was particularly appalling for the couple, who had no family history of colon cancer.

Moreover, Noah was reportedly not old enough for recommended screenings. Jade said her partner underwent chemotherapy and radiation sessions, but his condition worsened with time.

The Proposal

According to Noah's oncologist Dr. Charu Agrawal, Jade remained a beacon of strength for her lover, caring for him and their little boy, Aries. And since the couple was sure of their feelings, Noah popped the big question to his girlfriend while undergoing treatment in February 2022.

Even though he was weak from his chemo sessions, Noah was able to get out of bed and go down on one knee. Jade recalled:

"He was kind of sick in bed, and he ordered a ring online without me knowing, and he got out of bed and kneeled down and proposed to me and I had to help him back up after I said yes (sic)."

His Two Wishes

Sadly, a few months later, Noah and Jade learned that the cancer had spread and progressed to Stage 4. Noah was admitted to Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, Houston, where doctors told him they had done everything possible and he might have only a few days to live.

At that point, Noah, dad of five biological and bonus kids, shared his two wishes — to be with his family in California in his final days and marry his fiancée. While the hospital couldn't reportedly secure an air ambulance for his first wish, they decided to do something about the second one.

Planning the Special Day

Dr. Agrawal said Noah made his heartfelt wish known on a Monday afternoon, and she set out to make it happen the very next day. Due to his prognosis, the hospital staff had to act as quickly as possible. Soon afterward, Dr. Agrawal contacted her colleagues, who brought together everything needed for the wedding.

Several others helped make the occasion possible — the American Cancer Society donated wedding cakes, Men's Warehouse gave a tuxedo, and a couple who once ran a bridal shop donated the dress.

Dr. Agrawal said they also found a makeup artist, a pianist, and an artist who drew a lovely portrait of Noah and Jade. She added that Jade was granted the marriage license sooner than the usual three-day waiting period in Texas.

Sealing Their Love with a Kiss

On Wednesday afternoon in August 2022, Jade, 28, and Noah, 40, exchanged their vows in a small, intimate ceremony at the chapel at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center.

The groom donned a tuxedo with a boutonniere on his lapel and said, "I do," while lying in his hospital bed. The bride wore a strapless white gown and a tiara for the special occasion. She held Aries's hand as she bent down to gently kiss her beloved husband.

A heartwarming clip showed the newlyweds promising to stay together through life's highs and lows. Regarding the occasion, Noah revealed:

"It's important because it's something that we wanted to do and this is the opportunity to do it."

Nothing but Happiness

In addition to doctors and nurses attending the memorable occasion, the couple's family and friends also joined in via Zoom. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop thanked everyone for supporting and cheering them on during their big day. An emotional Jade expressed:

"I got to marry my best friend even if it's going to be for a short period of time. This isn't really how I expected to be spending our wedding night or day, honeymoon, but I'm just happy to be with him."

Dr. Agrawal said the couple had always pictured being married and even had a wedding playlist on Spotify. She described how happy Jade was to tie the knot with the love of her life, adding:

"She's already lived with the vows that she said today."

In reality, the timing of Noah and Jade's wedding couldn't have been more perfect, as he passed away a week later in a hospice.

May God grant eternal peace to Noah and give his loved ones the strength to bear their irreparable loss. We're glad that the lovely couple was able to eternalize their love before fate's intervention.