Yellowknifers raise $30K in two days for resident with rare cancer

An online fundraiser for a Yellowknife resident facing a “rare and aggressive” form of cancer has reached almost $30,000 in the two days since it was posted.

The GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Haslan Escalante, known for his involvement with the city’s curling club and drama company Ptarmigan Ptheatrics.

Olivia Lee, explaining Escalante’s condition on GoFundMe, said he would need a treatment plan “most likely longer than six months” and “an extended length of time” away from Yellowknife.

“We know how shocking this news will be for those that know Haslan,” Lee wrote. “He needs our help to fight against this horrible disease that has touched so many of us.

“He and his family need our strength, love, and support more than ever right now.

“The outpouring of love, support, thoughts, and prayers that have been sent already are appreciated more than you know. Please keep Haslan and his family in your hearts.”

More than 120 people had donated to the fundraiser as of Monday morning, raising a little over $29,000. The fundraiser’s initial goal had been $20,000, to help the family with costs of travel to and from Edmonton alongside “additional expenses that aren’t covered by benefits.”