Organisers of a fundraising campaign aim to collect $50,000 to help the family of a Mollymook man during his fight against cancer.
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Jason Treweeke, 51, was diagnosed with throat cancer in January, which has spread to his liver.
"It's been a big shock for us that Jason has become so sick, so quickly," his wife Michelle said.
"He was fully functional, fit, surfing, so outgoing, such a short time ago.
"What I've discovered in this process is how quickly your life can change."
Therefore, Kiama resident Chris McMillan recently launched a GoFundMe campaign for his friend Mr Treweeke.
The friends met 15 years ago through their work in corrective services.
Mr McMillan is aiming to raise $50,000.
Any funds raised will go toward helping Mr Treweeke's young family.
So far it has raised more than $13,000.
"Jason has been a tireless worker and pillar of his community; it is time to give back to him and his family," Mr McMillan said.
"He's always been a caring, giving kind of guy, who's always helped everyone out whenever they needed it.
"Any funds raised will go to helping Jason's young family cope with the rising medical bills and for their future."
Mr McMillan said he also had other fundraisers planned to assist the family, including a golf day.
Mr McMillan said his friend was a loving husband and father to sons Cooper, 15, and Harrison, 13.
Mrs Treweeke said although she wasn't the type of person who typically "liked to ask for help", she was overwhelmed by the community's generosity.
"It's so lovely to see people wanting to help, and doing something," she said.
"It's given us a feeling of real hope... To have this sudden feeling of people embracing Jason is a really beautiful feeling.
"I would like to offer a message of thanks, and when people make those donations to others, whether it be us or anybody else, the feeling of strength and support that you've got behind you is what has really meant a lot to us.
"The financial side will assist us, but it's more about the feeling that those people are there, and are behind you."
Mrs Treweeke said her husband has undergone several blood transfusions throughout this week, and encouraged the community to donate to a blood bank if possible.
Mrs Treweeke said her husband was beginning radiation treatment next week, and would hopefully qualify to be part of an immunotherapy trial at Wollongong.
To donate, visit the www.gofundme.com/f/help-jason-family-with-his-fight-against-cancer website.