TORONTO: An organisation that supports many Jamaican international students in Ontario has established a GoFundMe to help a student pay the costs incurred from a critical medical situation.

Paul and Jacqueline Barnett, vice-president and president of the Community Support for Black International Students (CSBIS), are raising funds to help Najay Gayle, 24, recover from a rare medical emergency that has left him with more than $60,000 in medical bills. They are seeking to raise $70,000 to help cover his medical expenses.

Just weeks ago, Gayle was living a normal, healthy life when he was suddenly struck by a severe illness. What began as flu-like symptoms rapidly escalated into a life-threatening medical crisis that resulted in extreme pain, severe weakness throughout his limbs, and a temporary loss of mobility, they said in a GoFundMe statement.