Despite the fact that the new coronavirus has halted public gatherings, some engaged couples are finding creative ways to say, “I do.” Take Jenessa Schwartz, who is battling terminal colon cancer, and Trevor Davis. On May 3, these two lovebirds will exchange vows in front of more than 50 guests via the popular video chat platform Zoom, CNET reports. 

“It’s going to sound trite and a little cliché, but I’ve cultivated this seize-the-day attitude,” said Schwartz, 37, of Northern California. “We decided we can’t put off joy.”

In 2017, Schwartz was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and given up to two years to live; it was metastatic but treatable. She had already known Davis for a while by the time their romance blossomed just shortly after her diagnosis. 

Davis has been there for all of Schwartz’s treatments, including several rounds of chemotherapy, long hospitalizations and an eight-hour surgery to remove part of her colon and liver as well as her appendix, gallbladder, uterus and ovaries. His support has gotten her through the good and bad, particularly when her cancer returned last year. 

Right now, Schwartz’s treatment is on hold because the current coronavirus pandemic has led to treatment delays and concerns for immunocompromised patients. Her upcoming routine PET scan to determine the effectiveness of her current round of chemo has been delayed until next month. 

If her disease progresses during this time, it means she may have endured unnecessary and ineffectual chemo and will be weeks behind a new treatment plan. Schwartz can’t control this part of her life, but she does have power over when and how she can get married. 

The wedding is fully planned and includes a blue color scheme to represent colon cancer awareness. Schwartz will wear bright blue boots, while David will dress in a blue blazer. Her daughter and son will wear a blue dress and blue button-down shirt, respectively. Their dog, Rocky, is wearing a homemade blue bowtie. 

“While it certainly isn’t going to look the way we expected it to,” admits Davis, “I’m thrilled that it’s going to happen.” 


For related coverage, read “Colon Cancer Treatment Guidelines Updated for COVID-19 Pandemic” and “Should I Continue My Cancer Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic?” Also, click here for more COVID-19 news.