BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – This weekend, Shahzeb Anwer will get married in his residence nation of Pakistan, and all of Birmingham, Alabama, is invited to attend. 

Anwer isn’t any stranger to the Magic Metropolis. Though he was solely right here for a short while, he stated he appears like Birmingham’s “favored son.” And he needs to repay the favor. 

The 31-year-old had been recognized with hyperparathyroidism, a illness that had been inflicting him to get kidney stones a couple of times a yr since he was 18. He started having digestive issues. He developed pores and skin points. However the remedy for his medical concern, Anwer came upon, was a surgical procedure that was unattainable in Pakistan due to restricted expertise. 

So Anwer started on the lookout for assist exterior his personal nation. He regarded into travelling to Turkey, Singapore, the UK, and India for remedy, however pandemic-related journey restrictions had made issues troublesome. Anwer was additionally fearful about prices – the price of journey in addition to the out-of-pocket value of the medical process itself. 

Ultimately, Anwer came upon that having the process completed at UAB hospital would value him about half of what had been quoted to him by different medical amenities. So he began studying extra about Alabama, a state he’d by no means even heard of earlier than. In his seek for data, Anwer had posted on numerous web sites, together with Fb and Reddit, asking for folk to assist him higher perceive the tradition he was about to be immersed in, if just for a short while. 

His first put up in Birmingham’s subreddit was about garments. He wished to know what garments he ought to put on within the U.S. May he put on what he already had in his wardrobe? Would he must get one thing new to slot in?

The response he acquired was overwhelming, he stated. 

“Folks responded in a method that I wouldn’t even anticipate from my very own individuals in Pakistan,” he stated.

Of us within the group from across the Magic Metropolis started serving to Anwer, facilitating his journey, giving him ideas, and cheering him on alongside the best way. 

Andrew Harris was one of many individuals who reached out to Anwer. He stated he wished to assist dispel any detrimental stereotypes Anwer might have had about Alabama and the South.

“Anytime anybody comes right here, I actually, actually wish to make them have the perfect time,” he stated. 

When Anwer made his strategy to Birmingham, Harris, a Trussville native who now lives in Bush Hills, helped him with transportation, bringing him to the shop, to eat out, or to medical appointments. 

“He would all the time attempt to pay me,” Harris stated. “However I didn’t need his cash. I’ve gained such a buddy – a greatest buddy for all times.”

Throughout his time in Birmingham – his first trip of Pakistan in any respect – Anwer got here to like the town. He visited native Indian and Thai eating places, in addition to getting in as many journeys to McDonald’s, KFC, and 5 Guys as he might. He walked by Highland Park and the paths of Mountain Brook. He stated Birmingham grew to become his residence away from residence – a spot he’ll always remember. 

And Anwer’s surgical procedure was profitable, resolving the medical issues that had plagued him for years. However after UAB had completed its job, it was time for Anwer to move again residence to Pakistan. Andrew Harris wasn’t prepared for him to go. 

“When he began to depart, I acquired this large gap in my abdomen – in my coronary heart – that I used to be about to lose him,” Harris stated. “Realizing him such a short while, I used to be shocked that I began having these feeling, however he’s already turn out to be such an vital a part of my life.”

Anwer headed again to Pakistan, however he wasn’t completed with Birmingham. When he came upon he’d quickly be getting married, he posted an invite within the Reddit group that had helped him discover his footing in the USA. All people in Birmingham was invited to the marriage, he stated. 

He’s uncertain whether or not anybody from the town will be capable of make it – there was quick discover and spherical journey tickets to Pakistan value hundreds, however he stated he felt like he owed the town an invite, whether or not its residents can take it up or not. 

“Birmingham handled me as their favored son,” he stated. “Birmingham actually gave me the eye that individuals give out to celebrities… In order that’s why I did it. I consider somebody needs to be coming, as a result of Birmingham has now turn out to be part of my life.”

Anwer’s wedding ceremony will probably be held this Sunday, Might 22, in Pakistan.