GOLD COAST CEO MIKE DOWLING ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT YOUNG CANCER PATIENT
Announcement posted by Wings Public Relations Pty Ltd 10 May 2017
There are four words that no parent ever wants to hear – ‘your child has cancer’.
Sadly, parents Justin and Kathy Obst were on the receiving end of this news in April when told their three-year-old son Eamon has been diagnosed with Wilms Tumour – a cancer of the kidney that commonly occurs in children.
Not long after, the couple were met by a kind gesture made by close friend Michael Arnold, who reached out to fellow Australians asking them to help the family through a crowdfunding page on gofundme.com
The page received a massive response after family members, friends and friends of friends started spreading the word about little Eamon’s fight - $23,000 was raised in just one week.
Helensvale couple Lisa and Nathan Raets were among the friends who heard the news and instantly thought of someone who could come to the rescue – Mike Dowling.
Mike is the CEO and Owner of national franchise organisation James’ Home Services. Mike is also a well-known philanthropist, who this week was nominated for the Queensland Community Foundation’s Small to Medium Business Philanthropist of the Year.
Lisa and Nathan own the Helensvale North James’ Home Services Interior Care franchise and asked Mike if they would be willing to help the family.
Mike, who has donated $500,000 to charities in recent years, acted within hours, donating $10,000 to Eamon’s family who are in Adelaide.
“When you hear these stories of families who are already doing the best they can being struck by this type of tragedy, you feel compelled to help,” said Mike.
“This is something that no family should ever have to go through but unfortunately it does happen and I am glad to be able to contribute to supporting Mr and Mrs Obst and their family during this time.
“I would encourage others to donate – there is nothing like knowing you have helped another person in a very special way.”
To donate to Justin and Kathy Obst and support Eamon and his battle against cancer go to https://www.gofundme.com/3p7gl60.