In my years at GLO, I don't think I've ever blogged about a marriage.  But this one is just very touching... and I hope I don't lose my man card for saying it. 

Central Illinois natives Nolan Keane and Morgan Carstens started dating in high school.  Keane, now 28, went off to play college baseball.  His longtime girlfriend, Carstens, now 26, would become a nurse.  Just over four years ago, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, stage 4, and given a year to live.  Jesse O'Brien of the Journal Star chronicles the story HERE.

Keane beat the lifespan projection of a person with stage 4 brain cancer, even as his girlfriend stayed by his side along the tough road of treatment.  Two years ago, she quit her nursing job to stay with him and provide full time assistance.  Then, a few months ago, an MRI revealed that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body, and he might not have much time left to live.  

With the help of friends, talk show host Ellen Degeneres got wind of their story.  He wanted to go to Disney World.  The story got national publicity and total strangers donated money to cover the trip.   While down there, he proposed to her.  Recently, friends stepped up to set up a website for folks to donate cash to the couple to help with the wedding, medical bills and another possible trip to Disney World.  The friends hoped to raise $20,000.  As of last night, they'd raised over $60,000!  Many local businesses also donated items for the wedding, and should be able to pay medical bills, and hopefully, honeymoon with family in Florida.

Tomorrow at The Cornerstone Building, downtown Peoria, Nolan and Morgan will wed.  God bless.

Doc Watson