Canada_ (Commonwealth) _ In the final months of his life, Harrison Gilks of Fredericton inspired a movement of optimism and adventure by checking off “bucket list” things with the assistance of community support while he faced cancer. The 18-year-old, who had over 300,000 TikTok fans for his series, died on Thursday.
Harrison’s community gathered money in the last eight months to satisfy his ultimate requests, which included a helicopter trip in New York City and Jasper, Alta., meeting Montreal Canadiens players, watching a Los Angeles Rams football game, and sunbathing in Mexico.
Harrison’s last TikTok video was released on March 21. He revealed that he didn’t have much time left and that his series was ending. “It’s been a terrific trip on the bucket list series with you guys… bucket list complete,” he remarked.
Trevor Gilks said his kid would be remembered for his enormous heart, sociable spirit, love of sports, and never-say-die attitude. He described the experience of accompanying Harrison on all of his final travels as both memorable and emotional. Harrison’s family was aware that he was going through a lot of “firsts and lasts.”
In November 2020, Harrison was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. Gilks stated that he had a huge tumor in his prostate area as well as spots on his lungs. He was subjected to months of chemotherapy and radiation. He was exhibiting symptoms of remission by February 2022. “We packed up and went on a couple of vacations down south to celebrate,” Gilks explained.
Only a few months later, the cancer returned stronger than ever. Harrison’s family was informed that he was terminally ill. Gilks stated that this is when Harrison decided to begin his series. Harrison announced his terminal illness in a TikTok video in June, which went viral with 1.5 million likes. Gilks stated that he and his wife, Sonya, were prepared to fulfill any of Harrison’s dying desires, but the community’s actions alleviated that financial burden.
