Friends and family are raising money for a Vernon man who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Brenton MacKenzie says his uncle, John Mayne, was diagnosed with ALS in June.
"John has been a Vernon resident for many years and always helped out wherever he could and has become a great inspiration to many people, including myself," says MacKenzie.
"This guy would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it."
The diagnosis comes with a life expectancy of two to five years, but unfortunately is progressing rapidly, says his nephew.
"The ALS Society of BC has been amazing at helping cover the financial burden this disease has on families, and I am humbled by them and the support from the Vernon community."
Meanwhile, family members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to fulfil a bucket list wish they "hope to complete while he has some mobility and cognitive function."
That wish is that he can take his fiancée to Niagara Falls.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the campaign had raised $2,460 toward a goal of $10,000.
This is not Mayne's first serious health battle.
The GoFundMe page notes Mayne has previously survived colon cancer and has been in remission for five years.
"But he was recently handed the devastating diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a rare, progressive, fatal disease. His progression has been very fast," the page states.
ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle function, which eventually leaves the body completely paralyzed. Over time, as the muscles break down, patients lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.
Mayne's body function is already not at 100 per cent, and he has a hard time moving around.
He'll eventually need more accessible housing and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
"He has a long hard road ahead of him, and we are asking for help from our community to help with the costs of medication, private treatments, and extra expenses for day to day living. Most of his equipment will be covered through the ALS Society, but the things that are not will need to be paid out of pocket, which can be expensive," the family says.
