Daytona Beach Woman with Stage 4 Cancer Marries Husband 9 Months After First Date

Alecia Wendland and Glenn Marsh say they "don't waste time" after falling quickly in love.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Alecia Wendland, a 58-year-old registered nurse from Daytona Beach, Florida, was initially given just 6 months to live after being diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in 2023. When she was still alive a year later, Wendland decided to try online dating and met Glenn Marsh, a 59-year-old who works for a European recycling machine manufacturer. The couple quickly fell in love, got married just 9 months after their first date, and are now making the most of their time together as Wendland continues undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Why it matters

Wendland's story highlights the power of love and resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis, as well as the importance of living life to the fullest when facing a limited timeline. Their whirlwind romance also reflects a growing trend of older adults finding love later in life through online dating.

The details

On their first date, Wendland was upfront with Marsh about her stage 4 cancer diagnosis and her 5 children, including her 37-year-old son Richie who has Cushing's syndrome. Despite the challenges, Marsh was instantly drawn to Wendland. The couple moved in together after just 4 months and got engaged on Wendland's birthday in September 2025, tying the knot that November. Wendland continues to undergo chemotherapy every 2 weeks, with doctors unable to operate due to the cancer spreading to her lymph nodes.

  • In July 2023, Wendland was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
  • In February 2025, Wendland and Marsh went on their first date.
  • In September 2025, Marsh proposed to Wendland on her birthday.
  • In November 2025, Wendland and Marsh got married.

The players

Alecia Wendland

A 58-year-old registered nurse from Daytona Beach, Florida who was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma in 2023.

Glenn Marsh

A 59-year-old man who works for a European recycling machine manufacturer and married Wendland in November 2025.

Richie

Wendland's 37-year-old son who lives with her part-time and has Cushing's syndrome.

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What they’re saying

“I love this woman more than life itself.”

— Glenn Marsh (people.com)

“She is one of the strongest women I've ever met. I would do anything for her. She is truly my angel.”

— Glenn Marsh (people.com)

“He's so protective, and he's so caring, and he's so giving. He tells me all the time we're going to fight this, even though I can't have surgery and it's stage 4...If I need to be in the hospital, he takes me in a minute. He doesn't ever hesitate.”

— Alecia Wendland (people.com)

What’s next

Wendland continues to undergo chemotherapy treatment every two weeks, with doctors unable to operate due to the cancer's spread.

The takeaway

Wendland and Marsh's story demonstrates the power of love and resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis, as well as the importance of living life to the fullest when facing a limited timeline. Their whirlwind romance reflects a growing trend of older adults finding love later in life through online dating.