A young Dubliner being treated for cancer in Canada can no longer travel back to Ireland safely as it may be "fatal".
23-year-old Luke from Santry moved to Vancouver in 2020 and has become a popular member of the community.
Unfortunately, the young Dubliner was diagnosed with B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on January 14. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the body's germ-fighting network.
He began receiving treatment at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver to get him strong enough to return home to his family in Ireland.
A GoFundMe was launched last weekend to cover Luke's medical costs in Canada until he was able to return home, but sadly travelling is no longer an option for him.
Almost $80,000 has been raised but costs are expected to mount as Luke battles the cancer in Canada.
Isobel Standring, who organised the fundraiser, gave an update to donors online and said they have been "blown away" by the support for Luke.
She said on Thursday: "Over the past 24 hours things have dramatically changed for Luke and it is no longer an option for him to travel safely to Ireland.
"Over the coming days, Luke will begin the first of several 3-4-week aggressive Cancer Treatments here in Vancouver.
"This is a not cost we initially anticipated as we had hoped to get Luke home for this treatment. This of course is now on top of the existing medical bills."
She said she hopes the fundraiser will ease any financial burden on Luke's family.
"At this difficult time our hope is that this fundraiser will mean that financial burden will not be something him or his family need to worry about.
"We are absolutely blown away by the support for Luke so far and appreciate every single penny we have received. If you could please continue to share the link in personal groups, on socials or wherever else you think may have an impact, any donation of any amount will make a difference.
"We will continue to update you on Luke’s progress, sending so much love to you all!"
To donate to Luke's fundraiser, click here.
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