THE family of a Jerseyman currently undergoing intense cancer treatment in the United States is raising money to pay for his skyrocketing medical expenses.
Relatives of Len De La Haye have set a goal to raise $18,000 to fund specialist treatment in America after he was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer this summer.
As the cancer is an aggressive and fast growing form, Len had debated returning closer to home for treatment however he was advised against doing so to lower the risk of making his illness less treatable.
Over $14,000 has been raised since the fundraiser was launched earlier this year.
Len will have completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy by the end of this month and will enter 2026 resting and preparing for scans to see if the treatment has been successful.
His daughter, Laura De La Haye-Staub said that the fundraising page was set up to give her father “a fighting chance” as he was unable to pay for his own treatment.
Born in Jersey and having retired from the aviation industry, Len hopes to return to the Island “as soon as possible” and be reunited with his family and grandchildren, including meeting his new grandson Archie for the first time.
The GoFundMe page describes Len as “an unforgettable character”.
It adds of his current situation: “He has an endless love for the sea and has weathered many storms in life already, but this is one he cannot face alone”.
Len, a keen fisherman, told the JEP that at present, some days are tough but he is “determined to stay positive”.
Praising the medical team caring for him, Mr De La Haye added that the support he has so far received has been “overwhelming”.
“It’s been a real morale booster seeing all the support I’m getting,” he said. “It makes me feel not forgotten and it gives me energy to fight this terrible illness.”
His family added of the ongoing support: “We are incredibly grateful for the continued interest from near and far, and we want to thank everyone who has donated so generously.
“It has also lifted our dad’s spirits for him to read all the messages of encouragement, and these have helped him to stay focused on healing and be able to look forward to a bright and active future.”
To support Len, visit his fundraising page via: https://gofund.me/dec8245a1
