A major fund-raising effort is underway to assist Swift Current Fire Chief Darren McClelland undergo cancer treatments in Mexico.
An amazing outpouring of generosity has occurred for McClelland as he is under going a 21-day long alternative treatment in Tijuana, Mexico. As of midnight on Monday, the campaign had raised $61,615 of an $80,000 goal.
Earlier this year McClelland took over as Fire Chief for the City of Swift Current’s Fire Department, moving up from his Deputy Fire Chief – Operations duties. He began with the Fire Department as an auxiliary firefighters in 1995 before taking a full time position with the department in 1997.
The GoFundMe page details that McClelland was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2016, and that cancer had already spread to his liver when he started treatment. Over the past two and a half years he has undergone three surgeries and two rounds of chemotherapy. He has also adopted a series of natural treatment remedies into his lifestyle while he battles cancer.
“Darren was finally at a great place in life ~ hoping to be cancer-free, being promoted to Fire Chief, and just returning from a fun getaway with friends, when in October 2018 he received devastating news. The cancer was back and had spread to other organs, and treatment options were limited,” the GoFundMe page explains. “After many heart-wrenching hours and days, Darren and Nicole have decided to immediately pursue alternative treatment options in Mexico. While in Mexico, Darren will complete a 21-day course of treatment. He and Nicole will stay for nearly a month, away from their girls (Ashley and Hayley), as well as all of their family and friends. It is unknown at this time how many courses of treatment Darren will need over the upcoming months and years.”
The family had previously refused to accept financial assistance from friends and family, but this fundraising initiative was launched as a result of the extreme circumstances.
“Darren is an amazing son, brother, husband, father and friend, who would never hesitate to help a friend in need. As this is an extremely difficult time for the McClelland’s, we as their friends, ask that you please support Darren, Nicole and their family as they face this difficult journey together. By raising funds for their family, we hope to ease some of the stress and financial pressure they will face with this new challenge.”
Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/support-darren039s-cancer-treatment
