25-year-old Kaleb McIntosh, who now resides in Queensland, was told last week he has leukemia after presenting at a Gold Coast hospital with breathing difficulties.

While his older sister, Kassie Johnson, also lives in Queensland, his Victorian parents, Michelle and Stephen, were told the news over the phone.

The pair then scrambled to apply for entry into the state to be with their son, who started chemotherapy this week.

Word quickly spread as friends, family and the Gold Coast Turf Club rallied to raise funds.

Over $10,000 has so far been raised and a race was named in McIntosh's honour on the Gold Coast last weekend.

His sister said the family has been overwhelmed by the support.

"It's just amazing to see everyone coming together," Johnson said.

Under COVID-19 restrictions, McIntosh's parents had to request approval before they could enter Queensland.

They arrived this week and went into hotel quarantine in Surfers Paradise.

The pair were also granted an exemption to visit the hospital under strict conditions during their quarantine period to be with their son.

Johnson said the funds raised aided in the cost of flights and quarantine.

McIntosh was let out of hospital before his treatment commenced to say goodbye to his horses, which have now been transported back to Victoria.

"On his day release they weren't going to let him visit the horses because it was too high risk, then we got special conditions," Johnson said.

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"He was allowed to visit them for about 15 minutes.

"He won't see them for months now."

Horses have played a big role for much of his life.

"He got into them when I was about 13," Johnson said.

"I had a friend with horses and I got into it and ever since then he's been obsessed."

The family is remaining optimistic.

"All they (doctors) talk about is quite positive," Johnson said.