An online fundraiser has been launched to support Sylvester ‘Bubba’ Hanley, known for his “gentle and generous” nature, as he faces the rising costs of cancer treatment.
The much-loved Anguillian was diagnosed with lung cancer which has now spread to his brain and is undergoing surgery and radiation therapy in Trinidad.
Without health insurance, he is left to cover the entire cost of his cancer treatment himself, with expenses projected to reach about US$100,000.
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To help support Bubba, his friend Alexandra LaMaster has launched a GoFundMe page with a target of $65,000. So far, the appeal has raised $3,609.
“I’m asking all of us who love Anguilla to step in and help Bubba who played such a major part in making Anguilla so special,” she wrote.
“I know we can’t help everyone. But if we were to help just one good person – that has helped so many others – Bubba is the one.”
LaMaster said she met Bubba when he helped her to fulfil her dream of opening a restaurant on the beach in Anguilla.
“A quiet, unassuming man called Bubba walked down the beach in Sandy Ground one day and simply started to help us rebuild a beach shack from scratch,” she wrote.
“He didn’t say much; he just went to work. This is what Bubba does. He sees someone needing help and he just steps in, and he won’t stop until it’s done.
“A man of very few words, stoic, unassuming, gentle, and so incredibly generous.”
LaMaster said he has helped to build most major beach bars in Anguilla including Sandy Island, Johnno’s, Elvis, Dad’s, Lit Lounge, Prickly Pear, Tasty’s POV among others.
“And also boats, benches, and homes. Some call Bubba the governor of Sandy Ground because he has touched so many lives, contributed to so many businesses, and Anguilla’s culture overall.”
Several friends and family have shared the fundraiser on social media pages, offering words of support and encouragement.
Merrick Richardson, representative for Road North, said: “As a community, let us come together to help ease his burden and show that District 5 stands strong in times of need.
“Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Please consider donating to assist Sylvester on his journey to recovery.”
Davon Carty said: “The bills are definitely mounting up. We will need as much funding support as possible to help this family out. Please donate whatever you can. Every single penny makes a difference.”
A public fundraiser is also being held on 22 October from 3pm to 9pm at Johnno’s on Sandy Ground where there will be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and DJs.
Those wishing to make a donation online can click here.
