There has been an overwhelming response for a Nova Scotia man diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in Calgary, whose dying wish is to return home.
Fifty-seven-year-old Cameron Conrad’s health took a tragic turn in November. He has months, maybe weeks to live.
“They thought he had shingles, then the pain got so back that he actually admitted himself one Friday evening in November to the hospital in Grande Prairie actually, and that’s when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and it had spread into his bones,” said his sister, Juanita Martin.
Conrad can only travel on a Mediflight, which will cost them nearly $47,000. On Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe account reached its goal of $47,000 and was just over the $48,000 mark.
A major donation came from a man who saw the story on CTV Edmonton. His son runs Advanced Paramedic Limited – a Medevac business – and offered to help no matter how much money is needed.
However, Cameron is now facing a new hurdle. His wait will have to continue as there are not enough beds at Capital Health in Halifax.
Once a bed is confirmed, the Medevac can be ready to get him air bound and on his way home within an hour and a half.
The family hopes he can be home as early as Tuesday morning.
Until then, family and friends remain at Conrad’s side, praying his final wish will come true.
"He looked me in the eyes and said, ‘(Lisa), I just want to come home and die,’” said Lisa Rehberg, Conrad’s niece. “And I said, ‘We're going to do whatever we can to make that happen.’"
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett
