A local couple is thanking the community for helping pay expensive medical bills, unexpectedly incurred while travelling in the U.S.

Director and Founder of School of the Kingdom, Ty Franz was visiting students on a mission trip in San Francisco when a severe flare-up of Crohn's Disease occurred.

Because of his existing sickness, he was unable to secure travel insurance.

Hospitalized in the U.S Franz was treated and given pain medication before being sent on a plane back to Canada.

While thankful to be home, his wife Jenny explains they took to fundraising site gofundme to help pay their uninsured medical bills.

"We've been so blessed," Jenny says. "Immediately people were messaging me and starting to support. We are so grateful for just the love people are showing in a time of great need."

While Crohn's Disease affects people differently, Franz notes their specialist has suggested Ty's condition can be considered one of the worst in Canada.

"His case is very severe, he's actually in the top five worse cases in Canada," she says.

Ty is currently at home recovering.