Man Tries To Bring Dying Friend To Chicago To Fulfill Bucket List

NEW LENOX, IL — A Lincoln-Way Central High School alum wants to bring his terminally ill friend from miles away to Chicago to help him live out his bucket list. Chris Bettancourt's story has been told several times on the national stage. The 21-year-old California man recently got word that his cancer has resurfaced and that he only has a year, maybe two, to live.

His friends in California have helped him raise money to scratch off a few of the things Bettancourt has on his bucket list. Some of the things on the list could be easily pulled off in the great city of Chicago.

So that's where Tyler Cirrencione comes in.

Cirrencione, a 2012 LWC alum and recent graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago, has not met Bettancourt in person although he does consider them to be close friends. The two men met online about a year ago through video game chats and have communicated regularly ever since.

"I would love to meet him in person," said Cirrencione, who lives in New Lenox. "He's excited about the possibility of coming out here."

Cirrencione set up a GoFundMe two months ago to help raise money for Bettancourt's trip to Chicago. So far, just $130 of the $1,500 that is necessary has been raised.

Donate to help bring Chris to Chicago here

"He's terminally ill, and that's a scary thing," said Cirrencione. "He has a great personality, so it's unfortunate to see him have to go through all of this."

Image via YouTube screenshot