OCT 21st. Update: We are heartbroken to share of John's passing on Oct 10th. The family will continue to accept donations. All money will be used to support a celebration of life, settling into their new home, and being able to take time to grieve and heal.

OCT 1st. Update: Most of you already know however last week John had his first round of two different chemotherapies and immunotherapy. By Friday he was incredibly jaundiced and his labs for liver function were atrocious. Sadly, after tests on Friday and Saturday it was discovered that the metastases in his liver has at least doubled in size since August and has taken over his entire liver. This means there is little time and he will be admitted to hospice care.

The swiftness of this cancer is breathtaking. It has ravaged him so quickly it is unbelievable. We will never know if he may have had much more time of treatment hadn't been delayed for weeks because of a lost referral that the cancer centre never received but I am trying to move past that.

Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers. Your love, generosity, and support has left us speechless but I credibly grateful.

On August 11th, John was admitted to the hospital with severe right-sided abdominal pain. After a week of tests and uncertainty, he received a devastating diagnosis: gallbladder cancer with extensive metastases to the liver.

Just this week, after meeting with his oncologist, we received the soul-crushing confirmation that John's time with us is limited — likely between 6 to 12 months, depending on how his body responds to palliative chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

John is a loving husband, a devoted father to two daughters (ages 25 and 10), and someone who always put his family first. Now, as we navigate this unimaginable reality, we are doing our best to focus on what truly matters: spending meaningful time together, making memories, and supporting John in every way we can.

Balancing the emotional and financial weight of this diagnosis is incredibly difficult. John lost his full-time management position last October, and Jen, his wife, has been the family's primary breadwinner. Just one week before the diagnosis, they signed papers for a new home — a step toward a hopeful future that has now been turned upside down. With reduced income and rising medical and living expenses, the financial strain is overwhelming.

It’s not easy for us to ask for help — it’s humbling and uncomfortable — but we know we can’t do this alone. Our greatest hope is that Jen can take time off work to be with John and their girls, to support him through treatment and to simply be present for the precious time they have left.

We also want to create moments of joy while we still can — whether that means taking a family vacation, checking off a few items on John’s bucket list, or something as special as attending a Montreal Canadiens game on home ice.

If you’re able to contribute in any way — whether financially, by sharing this page, or simply keeping our family in your thoughts — we are deeply grateful. Every dollar will go directly toward supporting John’s care, household needs, and creating lasting memories together.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With love,

The Horsley Family