A new Prince Edward County resident continues to undergo treatment for leukemia while his friends and neighbours champion his cause.

Dries Lombard, a native South African that moved to Prince Edward County three years ago, was dealt a bad blow earlier this year when a suspected sinus infection was further diagnosed as leukemia.

With his temporary health insurance having lapsed while awaiting to receive citizen status under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, Lombard and his wife Nita are facing not only the lengthy treatment and recovery from the blood cancer as well as medical bills that could reach $400,000.

Last month’s silent auction and benefit event as well as continuous fundraising efforts in the community will go to offset those medical costs.

Organizers told the Gazette that the case to provide Lombard coverage is in the hands of the OHIP plan administrators and petitions to both provincial and federal members are being gathered to help expedite the process.

Team Dries supporters also made mention of the fine care Dries Lombard has been receiving at Kingston General Hospital and thanked the nurses and staff for the compassion they’ve shown the county resident since being admitted.

To support Lombard and for regular updates on his condition, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/mydadsleukemia