The family of a Kiwi father fighting cancer are sharing his journey to raise funds to support him and provide for his sons.
Whitinga Harris was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer late last year; a diagnosis which sent his and his family's world into "chaos" as the father's future was thrown into doubt.
A Givealittle page set up for the father, who was studying to be a teacher at the time of his diagnosis, is sharing his journey as he fights the cancer.
One of the key issues facing the family was that the necessary treatment costs around $100,000.
"We have been told that there is a high chance of reoccurrence and that chemotherapy is not the ideal treatment for his type of cancer," a February 13 update reads.
"Immunotherapy and a drug called Keytruda was suggested to manage Whity's cancer unfortunately it is not funded for his type of cancer and costs around $100k.
"We have a new goal, a new purpose and drive. We need to raise this money. Together we can save my brother. We can extend his life so that he can be around for his boys. He has so much more to teach them. So much more good to give to the world. Together we can do this!"
But the page also describes the awful experience of finding out Harris has cancer.
"He started to get tired, began to lose weight, and was struggling to eat," the page reads.
"He thought it was stress and that it would pass. But then, after spending a week in the hospital, my brother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
"The floor crumbled beneath our feet as we heard the news. The future didn't seem so certain anymore."
The page says he has a "big fight on his hands" and is looking for donations to support his sons and pay for treatment.
Set up on February 4, it has so far received $23479 in donations from 398 donors.
Newshub.
