There has been an upswing in donations on the “Brandon Hall’s Fight Against Cancer” GoFundMe online fundraising page since it was revealed that a charge of theft has been laid in relation to a fundraiser in his family’s name.
The Drumheller Mail reported that a Drumheller woman has been charged with theft following an April 30 fundraiser. It is alleged that funds from the silent auction were not received by the Hall family.
For the family, Crystal Hall tells inSide Drumheller, the incident has caused substantial stress.
“The unfortunate thing with this is the amount that was raised was really exciting because it gave us the ability, without worry, to be able to go with Brandon for his next surgery. Now it is quite a bit tighter, and so we are looking at how we can make things work and balance what can put off right now.” Crystal said. “While before we didn’t have that worry.”
Brandon has already had to travel to the United States for surgery to his abdomen and Crystal says it went well.
“He has actually done really well, according to his doctor. The surgeon said he has bounced back better than he thought he would,” said Crystal. “The only thing he is not doing is gaining weight… no matter how much he tries to eat, he is sitting around 98 pounds.”
He is facing more surgery to his lungs, which may also have to be out of province. Right now, the family is confirming the details, but understands it is needed right away.
“It may be two surgeries, but they may try to do it in one,” said Crystal.
Not long after Brandon was diagnosed with cancer, a GoFundMe page to support him and his family was created. Since news that charges have been laid, more than $800 has been pledged in the last two days. To date the page has raised $8,356.
Jamie Worman, one of the organizers of the fundraisers for the family, is heartened by people giving.
“It looks like they will be getting more support,” he said.
Ashley Fredrickson of Drumheller is charged with theft under $5,000, and is slated to appear in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, August 26.
