Justin Cass, after battling jugular cancer, is facing a long and hard road to recovery.
Last summer, the 28-year-old Lacombe resident was diagnosed with what turned out to be a malignant tumour. In January, he underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the tumour.
Doctors also had to remove jugular vein and part of the sigmoid sinus.
In March, doctors determined that typical radiation therapy was too risky and could cause permanent brain damage.
Currently, the kind of treatment Cass needs to eliminate the remaining cancer cells is not available in Canada. Cass is planning to travel to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona for specialized treatment.
Friends have started a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the medical costs for Cass. So far, over the past two days, 50 people have raised $3,865 to help with the costs of the trip and medical bills.
Cass is a big part of the volunteer community in Lacombe, helping out at the Lacombe Legion, as well as Lacombe Days and other events.
“If you’re lucky enough to know Justin, you know that he has a heart of gold, a never-ending smile and is always there when you need him,” said Michelle Gregory, who organized the GoFundMe campaign.
To check out the GoFundMe page, head to ca.gofundme.com/f/justin-cass-jugular-cancer-journey.