Public donate over $100,000 towards medical bills of Irishman dying in the US

Ronan Winter, originally from Dublin, was diagnosed with cancer six months ago.

Now living in California with his American wife and their two daughters, Ronan faces staggering medical bills after deciding to cancel his life insurance policy.

Believing he was in his full health, Ronan cancelled the medical cover only a few months before his diagnosis so he could start a college fund for his children.

The former Blackrock College student received news of his stage four esophageal cancer in December. The disease then spread to his lungs, spine, liver and arms.

In February, Ronan suffered a stroke that left him unable to eat or talk.

Last weekend, family friend Michelle Nagelvoort created an online crowdsourcing campaign for Ronan.

The fundraising page explained the difficulties faced by the Winter family, stating Ronan's wife Diane has been working "day and night" to keep her husband comfortable and as pain free as possible.

The page also describes Ronan's incredible zest for life.

"Since the beginning of this battle, it is quite evident that Ronan has touched many lives around the world, as the outpouring of love and generosity has been extraordinary. Ronan was a giving friend and brother to many and is going to be dearly missed."

In less than a week, the campaign has surpassed its goal of $100,000.

In a statement on the GoFundMe page, Michelle writes:

"We started this campaign because the Winter family is suffering not only emotionally but financially. It has been hard to sit back and watch their world come crumbling down. If we could afford to help them on our own, then this campaign would never exist and Alex and I wouldn’t have had to reach out asking for donations. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives and this is their time of need."

She goes on to thank the public for their immense generosity and states that the donations will be put into a personal account for the Winter family to help the family pay their mounting bills and so they will not lose their home.

To make a donation, go to gofundme.com/ronanwinterfamily