Help the Shibata Family Through a Medical Crisis

Text by

Aya and Sofya

Yuki and Hideki Shibata, along with their two sons, Salama and Noam, are beloved members of our Salt Spring Island community. Many of you know them from the Vital kitchen at Saturday Market,

where they serve up mouthwatering all-vegan, gluten-free curries, samosas, and their famously addictive GF/DF cookies, served from their humble food trailer with quiet dedication.

Though the family lives relies primarily on their market sales, the Shibatas have embraced life on Salt Spring with deep gratitude and joy. Since immigrating from Japan in 2012, they’ve never looked back. This year was meant to be one of celebration—their 10th season at the Market.

The Shibatas are deeply committed to natural, holistic living. They’ve raised their children with great care, incorporating homeopathy and Ayurvedic principles into their daily life, and avoiding pharmaceutical medications as much as possible. Even in the face of illness, their approach has always centred on balance, mindfulness, and trust in the body’s innate healing capacity.

But despite their dedication to health, 2025 has brought an unexpected and serious challenge.

Yuki—the heart of the operation, assistant chef, market vendor, and devoted mother—was recently diagnosed with oral cancer while visiting Japan. For over six months, she had been suffering from persistent mouth sores. Even after seeing two specialists in Canada, her symptoms were dismissed, and she was sent home with only steroids and mouthwash—no answers, no relief.

Knowing something wasn’t right, Yuki visited to Japan, where a specialist immediately recognized signs of a likely malignancy. She was scheduled for urgent surgery. The doctor confirmed the cancer diagnosis and emphasized the need for regular monitoring in case of metastasis to the lymphatic system. Yuki will now need to return to Japan at least every twelve months and Vancouver for follow-up care.

Her absence has placed a tremendous burden on the family’s small business. While Salama and Noam are stepping in to help, it’s simply not enough to sustain operations—especially under the weight of ongoing medical and travel expenses.

We’re reaching out to our community to ask for your support. Your donation will help the Shibata family cover medical costs, travel back and forth to Japan, and lost income during this incredibly difficult time. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps this kind and hardworking family stay afloat.

Thank you for standing with the Shibatas—and for showing what makes this community so special.