A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for a long-time Rona employee in Wallaceburg, Fred Odette.
“On behalf of the family we are starting this fundraiser due to my father’s recent medical issues,” Ryan Odette, Fred’s son, said on the campaign page.
“As some of you may know, my dad has been diagnosed with a very rare cancer, Uveal Melanoma… a rare type of cancer that occurs in the tissues of the eye. Also called intraocular or ocular melanoma, this type of cancer occurs in only five people per million. This cancer can resist treatment and spread quickly through the body. We have discovered and confirmed via Biopsy that it has spread to the liver and his left eye has already been removed from a recent surgery.”
Ryan Odette added: “With the cancer being of such a rare type, my parents have had to make a lot of trips to Toronto for the appointments, surgeries and now the treatment schedule. All this travel has taken a financial toll as they must be in Toronto for multiple days at a time to accommodate the schedule from the hospital.”
Hotel rooms, meals, train tickets and fuel are just some of the expenses that have been adding up over the past several months since the diagnosis, Ryan Odette added.
“We are a very proud family, but we also know when to ask for assistance,” he said.
“The funds will go directly to my parents so they can continue the treatments and hopefully extend my father’s life. My mother is putting together a timeline and it will be added here as an update so everyone can understand what is happening with the diagnosis and treatment.”
Ryan Odette added: “If you can find it in your heart to contribute, we would appreciate it so much. Please support our cause with a small donation today! Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for your support and generosity.”
So far, a total of $2,115 has been raised of their $5,000 target.
To donate, click here.
