The community is invited to two fundraisers to help support a young Comox Valley man and his family through his severe illness.
Isaac LeBlanc, 26, was a healthy young man in November, but now he's laying in a hospital bed in Victoria unable to speak or move his body from the neck down.
"He's pretty much just laying there, but blinking for communication, that's about it, everything else doesn't move," said his mother Wendy LeBlanc.
Doctors still haven't diagnosed his illness, according to Wendy, but it could be a rare neurological disease or some form of multiple sclerosis.
Wendy is on disability assistance, and the cost of staying with Isaac in Vancouver and Victoria during treatment, as well as some of the medical costs, have taken a toll on the family financially.
"The costs for her to live in Vancouver and Victoria have been overwhelming – expenses for the medical and just living expenses, the commuting back and forth – has been really overwhelming for her," said family friend Andrea Burton.
Seeing the family's need, Burton took action and is organizing two fundraisers to help them out.
The first is a poker tournament which will happen at the Cumberland Hotel at 1 p.m. on Feb. 4. The buy-in is $25 and there is a limit of 72 seats. Everyone gets a prize when they start out, and each player receives another prize when they move up to a new game as the tournament progresses.
So far, a foosball table is up for grabs and Labatt Breweries has donated a prize, among other things. But, Burton said she's looking for more prizes, and any interested business or individual can contact her at 250-650-4124.
Anyone interested in taking part in the tournament can call the Cumberland Hotel at 250-336-8844 to pre-register.
The second fundraiser features live music, a silent auction, food and drinks at the Royal Canadian Legion at 367 Cliffe Ave. on Feb. 18.
Admission is by donation with all proceeds going to Isaac and his family. The benefit starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m.
Burton said she has some musicians lined up already, but needs more for the evening. Musicians willing to donate their time to play some tunes for a good cause can call her for details, or those who just want to sign up can e-mail isaacperformers@gmail.com.
Any businesses or individuals able to donate items for the silent auction can also contact Burton.
"Anybody that can donate anything would be very appreciated," said Burton.
The fundraiser is potluck style, so people attending are asked to bring a food dish.
There will be a cash bar, so Burton said it's an adult event and a designated driver will provide free rides home to attendees.
The event is listed as Fundraiser benefit for Isaac LeBlanc on Facebook, and further details are posted. Or, contact Burton at 250-650-4124, or Isaac's aunt Debbie MacLean at 250-338-4643.
A donation jar will be set up at both of the fundraisers.
Burton said she hopes the community turnout for both events will be successful.
"It's extremely important that the community get involved," said Burton.