Vancouver woman sets up fund to fulfill dying man’s wish

Esther Short — When Crystal Mills learned about a Portland man diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer, she wanted to help.

Dustin Hughes’ last wish was to take his three sons to Disneyland. Despite never having met Hughes, Mills contacted him through Facebook and launched a fundraising drive through Fundly, a social fundraising platform, to pay for the trip.

As of Jan. 27, the Operation Hughes campaign had raised $6,547, more than half of the $10,000 goal.

“I’m delighted with the outpouring of love and support for this effort,” said Mills. “It’s amazing that an online community can work together so quickly to fulfill a family’s dream.”

Mills said she also is planning to help fulfill another of Hughes dreams: to start a charitable foundation to help those who have been diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Words cannot express how much I appreciate everyone who has offered their moral and financial support to me and my family,” said Hughes.

For more information or to donate visit http://fundly.com/operationhughestroop.