When a teenager learned that he just had months to live he used his remaining time to raise money for a little boy, who too had cancer, in the hopes that he might beat the disease. 19-year-old Rhys Langford was hit with the worst news of his life when doctors said that his bone cancer was terminal. Instead of dwelling on the mortality of human life, he began fundraising for Jacob Jones, a six-year-old boy he had never met.
According to Metro, Jones had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. He became cancer-free for a year but last month his family noticed suspicious tumors and rushed him to the hospital. Although Langford never met the young boy, he was extremely moved by his situation. “Rhys found the story of little Jacob. He called me upstairs and he was crying in bed reading the story,” recalled the teen’s mother Catherine.
Thus, he decided to give up £1,000 ($1,355.96) of his life savings towards setting up a fund to pay for the 6-year-old’s treatment in America while he received surgery and chemotherapy for his osteosarcoma. “He said, ‘Mum, I want to donate some money to him. He’s six years of age and he’s been ill since he was two. I’d be over the moon if someone would save him.’ I couldn’t believe he was thinking about someone else when he’s on death’s door himself,” said Catherine about her selfless son.
But the teen didn’t just stop there. He went as far as setting up an online crowdfunding page himself which has now raised over £63,000 ($85,425) for Jones’ treatment. Per reports, both boys live in the Ebbow Vale in South Wales but had never met. However, that didn’t stop the terminally ill teenager from pooling in all his savings to set up a GoFundMe page.
Source: GoFundMe | Rhys’s dying wish! To help Jacob fight again
“Reading about little Jacob and his own fight and his cancer relapse has really upset me. I know nothing can be done for me now but as one of my many last wishes, I would like to help Jacob and help him fight this awful disease… Jacob is now six and has been fighting this disease most of his life. It should not be this way! Jacobs’ family is looking to raise money again for treatment. I have transferred £1000 to Jacobs family privately but it’s still not enough. Please help me, help Jacob! ❤️” it read.
“He said, ‘There’s nothing more they can do for me so if I can help save this little boy.’ Our hearts are breaking because we are losing our son but bursting with pride because considering his diagnosis he is thinking of other people,” added Langford’s mother. Tragically, the 19-year-old passed away soon after, according to Daily Mail.
“My warrior, my hero, my son, my baby, has given up his fight. He lay down his sword and died peacefully at home with all his family around him, he closed his eyes for the last time at around 7 p.m. yesterday evening,” wrote his mother in a heartbreaking social media post.
Despite his death, Langford’s legacy continues as the fundraiser is still raising money for Jones’ treatment. Please click here if you wish to donate.
Cover image source: GoFundMe | Rhys’s dying wish! To help Jacob fight again
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
