Sudbury man's trip for cancer treatment covered by community's 'outpouring'

Morning North6:23Community helping Sudbury man fight cancer

A Sudbury man is getting cancer treatment in Ottawa thanks to his community. John Lundrigan joined us in studio to talk about his battle with cancer and having to ask for help to stay in the fight.A Sudbury man's trip to Ottawa for cancer treatment is covered thanks to his community. 

"It's quite the outpouring," John Lundrigan said.

"I'm quite surprised considering I don't like to ask for help. I'm glad I did this time."

Lundrigan, 41, needs to go to Ottawa to receive medical care that is not offered locally in his battle against Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

His hospital visits are paid for, but not his accommodations or travel.

Lundrigan recently started a Change.org campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 for the journey.

On his fundraising page he writes, "Without having insurance on loans, I must bear the burden of regular payments at home and the costs associated with all travel and medical expenses which are not formally covered under our Provincial Health plan or my employer's sick benefits."

So far, he has received more than enough to cover his first trip this week.

"The philanthropy in this community has kind of taken me aback," Lundrigan said.

"I knew there were good people and I knew there were people who helped, but I've just bumped into people on the street who have offered to help, give me a ride, put $25 in the account. I've had local businesses reach out with bigger cheques than I've seen in my lifetime"

Lundrigan has to stay in Ottawa for at least three months in the spring for more treatment.

He continues to accept donations for his stay.