Gary Buchanan, the 18-year-old who was ostracised by his family for deciding to amputate a part of his arm because of cancer, has received an inspiring outpouring of love from Jamaicans and foreigners alike.

The youngster, whose story was made public, through an article in THE STAR on July 1, under the headline ' Teen loses hand, disowned by family', said he received many calls after his story was published.

"I got many calls. People sent me money and clothes and all sorts of things from overseas," he said. Buchanan also told THE STAR about a doctor from England who called him with advice about how to get well quicker and to keep himself healthy, as he moves into getting chemotherapy.

He also received prayers from callers who assured him that God would take care of him. "Lots of church people called me and seh God wi help mi. Some a dem pray fi mi over the phone too."

In July's article, Buchanan related that he had been barred from the family home by his grandmother who was upset that he proceeded with the amputation against her wishes. Today, however, he said she has come around and he is now back home with her. Before this, he was staying with a friend.

Buchanan was diagnosed with cancer a few months after he noticed a strange lump on his hand. After the lump tripled in size and he learnt that amputation was his only chance of survival, he opted for that route, not ever expecting that he would be disowned by his family.

He told THE STAR on Wednes-day, however, that his family was now being helpful.