A young bartender with just 18 months to live has captured hearts after drawing up a bucket list and vowing to live his remaining days to the fullest.
Liam Bulman, 23, living in Wollongong, NSW, has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma – an incurable and rare cancer that will take his life.
Friends and family have one GoFundMe to raise money for Mr Bulman to help him achieve his life goals – with almost half of the $50,000 already raised.
One of his wishes is to take a trip to the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, stay overnight at Taronga Zoo, take a helicopter flight, learn to surf and get his family together for a photo session.
Two companies have already told Daily Mail Australia they are willing to help Mr Bulman cross off a number of requests on his bucket list.
Illawarra Surf Academy organized a free learn to surf session and Translucent Photography offered to organize the family photo shoot free of charge.
Mr Bulman works at The Illawarra Hotel and his boss Nikki Aitchison is the organizer of the online fundraiser titled: ‘Bulman’s Bucket List’.
She said support for it had already exceeded expectations and was stunned after this publication told her that two companies had already offered their services.
A young bartender with just 18 months to live has captured hearts after drawing up a bucket list and vowing to live his remaining days to the fullest
“It’s been mind-boggling and I feel like we haven’t touched the sides yet with our (fundraising) efforts,” she said.
‘Also, thank you very much for what you have done. That’s great. He will be so grateful.
‘We’re like a big family here. He has been working for us for almost four years after moving from Newcastle to study at the University of Wollongong.
‘He has been raised beautifully and is always ready to help and support other people.’
A post on the GoFundMe page said his shock diagnosis came a few weeks ago, not long after he had to leave work early one evening in severe pain.
“In the early hours of the following Monday morning, Bulman was rushed to hospital by his best friend,” it said.
‘Bulman was in crippling pain. This culminated in four days of vigorous and invasive testing. He was scared, in pain and extremely tired.’
A week later, he was diagnosed with the rare and dangerous cancer after a series of tests.
Ms Aitchison said Mr Bulman, one of six siblings, had already started chemotherapy treatment to help him buy more time.
“He’s trying to cling to normalcy as much as he can,” she said.
Heartbroken mum Emily said the cancer had already invaded her son’s lymph nodes, starting in his lower digestive area.
Liam Bulman, 23, living in Wollongong, NSW, has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma – an incurable and rare cancer that will take his life
Liam Bulman has drawn up a bucket list that focuses on fun, family and adventure
‘He has started six cycles of cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. This will help us strive for longevity, quality of life, a chance to make memories and receive the care and comfort that is best for Liam,” she wrote on the GoFundMe page.
She said the cost of attending medical exams can range from $20,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This would be in addition to other costs, she said, such as home palliative care equipment, adjustable bed, IV, blood pressure cuff, oxygen monitor and physiotherapy needs.
“These direct medical and personal bills alone amount to just over $46,000,” she said.
“This is without even giving him the life experiences he so desperately deserves.
‘Anything we can raise to help ease Liam’s burden we would be incredibly grateful for.’