Described as “compassionate, caring, and one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet,” the Comox Valley is stepping up for a nurse and educator who spent years caring for those in the community.
Nurse and educator Carol Tinga was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Cancer has since spread into her lungs, and treatment - including clinical trials - is limited. She is seeking treatments that support her quality of life and wellness, explained her friend and co-worker, Wendy Gibson.
Last week, Gibson along with friends decided to create a GoFundMe page to help reduce financial stress so that Tinga and her family and focus on treatment and enjoy their time together.
With a goal of $50,000, funds began coming in, and in less than a week, they’ve raised more than $89,000 as of June 17.
“The community outpouring has been mind-blowing,” said Gibson. “Everyone loves Carol and it seems like everyone has a story about her. She’s one of those people who you cannot describe with a negative adjective - she’s the most compassionate, caring person you’ll ever meet.”
When Gibson shared the GoFundMe link initially through nursing Facebook pages, she explained the generosity and outpouring of support were remarkable.
Within two minutes of sharing the link, organizers received $1,000 in donations; within 22 hours, the total soared to $50,000.
“It was like being in a casino and watching the numbers go up and up and up. It’s so wonderful because if you’re looking at alternative treatments, the costs are really high.”
In addition to the GoFundMe, Gibson noted she and friends are also organizing a silent auction fundraiser with items that include wine baskets, gift certificates, whale watching tours, and art and pottery. The auction, named Gift of Love, “is what (Tinga) exudes,” she added.
The auction will run from July 12 to 18 on the Facebook page of the same name.
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