Fundraiser Launched For Murrieta Boy Diagnosed With Leukemia

MURRIETA, CA -- A fundraising campaign was underway Monday after a Murrieta family received the devastating news that their boy was diagnosed with Leukemia. Kai Hawkins was told he had the cancer just last week, according to a GoFundMe page created for the family.

The fundraising webpage said they received the news after Kai was sick for days.

"For several days prior, Kai had a high fever and would not eat or drink anything at all," the GoFundMe page said. "He hadn’t been able to urinate for an entire day when Erika decided to call his Doctor."

"Shortly after running some diagnostic tests the ER staff had them transported to the Children’s Hospital where Erika and Zane were told the awful news," the webpage said.

Kai is expected to begin chemotherapy this week, loved ones wrote.

Although the family just received the news, the loved ones hope to fundraise $15,000 to help cover medical costs and other expenses.

"With Erika needing to halt her endeavour in her Nursing Program and leaving her job immediately to care for Kai, the family’s income has been abruptly cut in half," the GoFundMe page said. "Between medical bills and everyday living expenses, difficult financial times are ahead for Erika and her family."

As of Monday afternoon, the campaign raised more than $2,600.

--Photo via GoFundMe/GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner