An online campaign is helping to raise money for the family of an Abbotsford man who died this summer less than four months after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Kevin Pain died July 20 at the age of 46, leaving behind his wife Marcia and four children – Chantelle, 27; Melody, 20; Cynthia, 15; and Warren, 12.
A GoFundMe page says that the family was looking forward to a fresh start this year with a new home and no debts.
But they received devastating news on April 5, when Kevin was diagnosed with duodenal cancer, a rare type of cancer that is found in the first section of the small intestine.
The tumour was too large to operate, and Kevin began chemotherapy and radiation.
His condition worsened, and he was hospitalized near the end of June, after which he went through four surgeries in three weeks.
Doctors confirmed on July 18 that Kevin had internal bleeding and that his family should prepare for the worst.
“Despite this, he still tried his hardest to sit upright and smile and have conversations with everyone who entered his room, and continued to worry and care about those who visited him,” the GoFundMe page states.
Kevin played ball hockey for several years as captain for the SOTE (Scum of the Earth) and the Abby Aces.
“He always had a positive attitude, and enjoyed being involved with others in his community … He was truly a shining star that was lost too soon, but will never be forgotten,” the GoFundMe page states.
Kevin was the main source of income for the family. The campaign has been created to help Marcia and her children with cost-of-living expenses.
It can be found by searching “Support for Marcia and her Family” at gofundme.com.