Family members of an Ontario teen who is battling Stage 4 cancer say they are "humbled" by the support they've received after an online crowdfunding campaign raised $30,000 in less than a week.
Marcus Baksh was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month. According to the crowdfunding site, the Grade 8 student is being treated at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital. Doctors have found tumours on Baksh's pelvis, spine and bone marrow.
"It is still early and much is still unknown but we do know that the world of Marcus, his amazing and loving parents (Anthony and Marisa) and his three younger siblings (Andre, Dylon and Bryanna) has undoubtedly been turned upside down," a post on the crowdfunding site said.
The crowdfunding campaign was created on Feb. 7. Money from the campaign will go towards paying for treatment, accommodation for Baksh's parents and for other unforeseen costs. Baksh's mother is a stay-at-home parent, and his father is an independent contractor for FedEx.
"He struggles to make his deliveries as quickly as possible and rushes back to his son's bedside at SickKids Hospital," the crowdfunding site says.
The original fundraising goal for the campaign was $20,000. That goal has since been met with the help of more than 400 people, and a new goal of $50,000 has been set.
"(Baksh and his family) are amazed, humbled and so unbelievably touched by the love and support that has been shown," another post on the crowdfunding site said.
Baksh's hockey, the Clarington Toros, is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday to support Baksh and his family.
