Donate to Canelo's Cancer Treatment

Surgery set for Thursday, September 4th

To those who may not know me, I'm Amanda. I spent five months at Nimea Kaya working and living with Canelo, beginning in January 2024. The moment I met him, I knew he was something special. There’s a rare light about him. A calm, grounding presence that fills a room without ever trying to. He’s open and deeply caring toward others, but what makes him stand out even more is how genuinely he cares for himself, too.

I'm very fortunate to have spent five months working alongside him in the jungle...a space where you see people as they really are. We spent long days talking about life, healing, and what’s possible. Even now that we’re no longer living side by side, he’s still one of the first people I turn to when I need clarity, guidance, or just someone to hold space for me.

As many of you know, Canelo took a step away from Nimea Kaya this June to rest and integrate. He intended to spend the summer with his girlfriend in New York, return home to his family in Canada this fall, and rejoin Nimea Kaya early 2026.

In early August, after some encouragement from his girlfriend, Canelo visited a dermatologist about a persistent wound on his neck, where a biopsy was taken and sent to a lab. When the results came back, the diagnosis was Basal Cell Carcinoma, infiltrative—a form of skin cancer. He was informed that immediate treatment was recommended.

Because of the urgency, long wait times in Canada, and the recommendation of specialists in New York, Canelo made the decision to stay in New York for treatment. He was referred to a highly experienced Mohs surgeon. Who immediately briefed him on the surgery and set the surgery up for September 4th. Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating skin cancer .

This diagnosis has been challenging for Canelo—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. He’s facing this challenge with courage and optimism, but without insurance coverage in the U.S., the costs are overwhelming. This surgery will be expensive due to the size of the ulcer, not including lab work, multiple doctor appointments, medications, follow-ups, and other medical expenses.

We’re asking for your support to help Canelo get the care he needs. Every donation, no matter the size, brings him closer to healing and relieves the financial burden during this critical time.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting. Your generosity means the world.