In Rostock, Germany, a couple’s love story has taken an unexpected and poignant turn. Franziska and Christoph, deeply in love and planning a future together since 2021, faced the unimaginable when Christoph received a devastating diagnosis. Their journey, marked by love, loss, and unwavering commitment, culminated in a wedding held not in a grand hall, but in the stark setting of a hospital room.

Their wedding, held on May 19, was a testament to their love, knowing that their vows were not for a shared future, but a farewell. Christoph’s close friend, Christian Strobel, 34, shared their story, explaining that the couple lacked the strength and time to do so themselves. I am unendlich dankbar darüber, solche Freunde wie Christian an unserer Seite zu haben. Wir erfahren so viel Liebe und Unterstützung, Franziska said, expressing her gratitude for the support they’ve received.

The Diagnosis: A World Shattered

In early 2024, Christoph began experiencing back pain, leading to numerous doctor visits. The diagnosis was a shock: sarcoma, a malignant tumor affecting bone and soft tissue. Für Franzi und Christoph brach die Welt zusammen, Christian recounted, describing the moment their world collapsed.

In December 2024, Christoph underwent a major operation at the University Hospital of Rostock. The surgery involved the removal of an affected kidney and a portion of the abdominal aorta. Initially, there was hope that the surgery had been successful.

A Relentless Setback

Though, in April 2025, Christoph noticed swollen lymph nodes. Further examination revealed the devastating truth: the tumor had metastasized, spreading to his lungs and abdomen. Chemotherapy,the conventional treatment,proved ineffective,weakening Christoph further,causing his remaining kidney to fail,and affecting his brain.

the Inevitable: “Incurable”

On May 9, the couple received the grim news: Christoph’s condition was incurable. Eher Wochen oder Tage statt Monate, sagten die Ärzte, Christian said, relaying the doctors’ prognosis. Franziska now faces the heartbreaking reality of watching her beloved weaken, struggling to eat and move. Despite the pain, she remains steadfast, visiting him three times a day in the hospital to cherish every moment.

Despite the grim circumstances, Franziska’s resolve remains unbroken. Dreimal am Tag geht sie ins Krankenhaus, um keinen einzigen kostbaren Moment zu verpassen, Christian noted, highlighting her unwavering dedication.

A Wedding of Love and Farewell

Knowing their time was limited, Franziska and Christoph decided to marry. The wedding took place in Christoph’s hospital room, a poignant symbol of their love amidst profound loss. Friends arranged for a wedding cake and a suit jacket for Christoph, striving to make the day unforgettable.

Community Support: A Fundraiser for the Future

Recognizing the immense emotional and financial strain on the couple, friends initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. The funds are intended to cover Christoph’s funeral expenses and provide Franziska with financial support during her bereavement. Christian explained, So schlimm es auch klingt. Davon soll Christophs Beerdigung bezahlt werden. Und Franziska soll die Möglichkeit haben, sich die zeit zu nehmen, die sie braucht, bis sie wieder arbeiten kann.