Canadians come together to help international student after rare cancer diagnosis
Canadians are showing their support online for an international student who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
A GoFundMe set up for Ajibola Olalusi, 39, describes the international student as a talented architect who moved to Canada to “further his education and career.” According to his online professional profile, he previously worked as an architect in Nigeria and earned a graduate certificate in construction management at Conestoga College in Ontario.
Olalusi certainly had plenty to look forward to, but while studying, he was diagnosed with advanced-stage peritoneal mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. According to Cancer Care Ontario, peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers organs in the abdomen). The Canadian Cancer Society says that it’s also rare — 460 Canadians were diagnosed with mesothelioma according to the most recent statistics from 2019.
GoFundMe
“Through pain and countless hospital visits, he persevered — and has now successfully graduated in August 2025,” reads the GoFundMe page, which was set up by a family member.
However, Olalusi’s student health insurance expired upon graduating, “leaving him without coverage for the critical care he still urgently needs.”
“The financial burden is overwhelming. His current hospitalization in Toronto, Canada, costs about C$4,900 per day — not including specialist consultations, medications, and ongoing treatments,” reads the fundraiser.
In addition, the treatment that Olalusi requires is only available in Canada.
“Our family is doing all we can, but we cannot face this alone,” continues the statement. “We are asking for your support to give Ajibola a fighting chance.”
As a result, the family is seeking support to cover Olalusi’s hospitalization in Toronto, as well as specialist consultations, advanced diagnostic imaging, and lab work. Donations from the fundraiser will also go towards chemotherapy, immunotherapy, medications, and basic living expenses since Olalusi is unable to work.
GoFundMe
As of Oct. 22, a total of $24,762 has been raised out of the fundraiser’s $75,000 goal.
“Ajibola has spent his life designing and building for others. Now he needs our help to rebuild hope in his own life,” reads the GoFundMe page. “With your generosity, we can give him the best chance to fight this advanced asbestos-related cancer and look forward to a future beyond illness.”
Daily Hive has reached out to Olalusi’s family and will update this story when they respond.