Manila, Philippines, Jul 3, 2014 / 15:09 pm
Millions of viewers around the world have watched a YouTube video showing the determination of a young man in the Philippines to marry the love of his life just hours before dying of terminal cancer.
At the beginning of this year, Rowden and Leizel decided to marry. They planned on a July 8 wedding, but Rowden, age 29, was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the kidneys at the end of May.
Learning that his cancer was terminal, Rowden's last wish was to marry Leizel. The couple moved the date up and decided to "bring the church" to him at the hospital, as he could no longer go out.
After 12 hours of marriage prep, he was able to fulfill his dream.
Rowden died on June 11, just 10 hours after marrying Leizel. The video recounting their story was posted on YouTube by her brother.
Within two weeks, the video was viewed more than 10 million times.
In the description accompanying the video, Rowden's family said they wanted to "thank the Main Man up above, Jesus Christ, for orchestrating this very inspiring story. And for giving us enough time to give Rowden what he wanted, and show him how loved he was."