Delta Police are warning the public of a scam fundraising effort that exploits the very real health condition of a Tsawwassen teenager awaiting treatment for a rare form of leukemia.
A YouCaring.com fundraising page has the title “Help Save My Son Kyle’s Life He Has 22 Days Left To Live”, and asks the public to help a “Kyle McKlusky”, a teenager dying of leukemia who needs a special treatment costing $200,000.
The page for Kyle McKlusky uses the same pictures and basic description as that for Kyle McConkey, a B.C. teenager with leukemia who needs a special treatment available only in the United States.
WATCH: Global first reported on Kyle McConkey in November
Over $280,000 has been raised for Kyle, who is currently at Children’s Hospital recovering from an infection. He plans to be home for Christmas, and hopes to go to Seattle for treatment as soon as possible.
“It concerns me that his images are being used, but as far as how we feel, we’re still very grateful,” says Kyle’s father Ross.
Delta Police Sgt. Sarah Swallows says she discovered the scam last night and wants the public to be aware that it isn’t legitimate.
$372 was raised and a tweet promoting the fundraiser was retweeted hundreds of times before the fundraiser was put on hold.
Global News has asked YouCaring for comment, but has not heard back.
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