Josh Riley has a seemingly simple dream: to go to Newfoundland. But Riley is fighting cancer and his best friend wants to make sure his dream is realized.
“They aren’t sure how much time Josh will have left and he wants to make one really good memory with his family for them to hold on to,” said Burbine, Riley’s best friend of 16 years.
“Josh is staying strong and he’s determined to get better to go on his trip,” said Riley’s mom, Lisa Riley-Wager. “Any parent would help their child to achieve their hopes and dreams. His love of Broadway musicals is his passion. Come From Away is the reason he wants to visit Newfoundland. One of the cast members from the show actually donated on the GoFundMe.”
Riley is a recognizable figure in Huntsville, working as a greeter at Wal-Mart and driving around in his wheelchair to local restaurants and food trucks.
Riley was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May. His bladder was removed, but the cancer quickly spread to his pelvic wall and lymph nodes.
Unfortunately, he was not able to receive chemotherapy because it is not effective for Riley’s type of cancer.
His mom has been able to be with him in the hospital, but their family has spent more than $6,000 on gas and hotels.
“When Josh learned about the fundraiser he teared up,” said Burbine. “His family always wants to help others so it was my turn to help. He is always there when you need someone to talk to and has been such a good friend to me.”
Burbine and his wife created a GoFundMe page just last week to gather donations. For Riley and his parents to safely travel to Newfoundland, it will cost $10,000. They’ve raised $2,500 so far.
“This trip would really be a light at the end of the tunnel for Josh,” said Burbine.
Riley-Wager’s latest Facebook update about her son reads:
“Josh is currently in the barrie ICU. He has a few infections happening which made him have sepsis shock. This is now under control with meds. He is on a pain med as one of the cyst is causing him pain. This cyst they put a drain line in. The other 2 remaining cysts, one will be drained at St.Mikes in Toronto
The other one they are trying to figure out. Joshs cancer has returned we are told and this is causing these issues. The specialists are working on getting him better so he can have oncology suggest if anything can be done about the cancer. Josh has to get stronger. He will be moved out of the icu hoping tomorrow. Josh has his focus on his trip… He impresses me everyday with his strength and determination. He will be coming home as soon as his body allows this. Grant and I thank you so much for all the support as we navigate through this very difficult time. My Josh is my baby and I want too do everything I can for him. My love for him is beyond measure. ❤ He is my first true love ❤♥.”
Donations can be made on GoFundMe here or via e-transfer to: [email protected].
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There is also an auction running on Discount Divas to help Josh reach his goal. More things get added as the are donated and you bid on them .
Good luck Josh !