Hullo. My name is Joel Cuthbert, after two years cancer-free, a scan has discovered two new tumours in my left hip. I am starting Chemotherapy on March 23rd, 2026.

My Diagnosis

In 2023, I was diagnosed with a Myxoid Liposarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer. With just radiation and surgery, I entered cancer survivorship in January 2024. Unexpectedly, in January of 2026, a fresh scan revealed a metastasis of the original cancer.

On March 23rd, I'm beginning my first of several rounds of aggressive inpatient chemotherapy at the University Health Network in Toronto, with teams from Princess Margaret Cancer Center and Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Beginning this, I've had to drop out of my schooling, pause work and focus entirely on my health for the next several months.

I've already felt the sustaining support through the profound love and kind generosity of friends and community. Folks have asked and offered rides, drop-offs, hangs, meals and practical supports.

I will be coordinating a support network to meet some more needs, but realistically, chemotherapy will complicate my diet and appetite, making the generous offers of kindly home-made meals a bit tricky.

My Story So Far

To expand the context of my story, my first cancer journey occurred in the year after disentangling from a difficult divorce. In seeking to make sense of my story, I went back to school studying psychology, on track to become a therapist.

If I've learned anything, if I've expanded my heart in any capacity through my trials, it has been to be a nourishing and supportive place to companion with the suffering of others. Yet it seems my story had more chapters than I anticipated.

My first round of treatment in 2023 was halfway through my undergraduate studies. I was able to continue an online course and supported by student loans and folks' generosity.

This time, I was nearing completion of my first year in a Master's of Psychotherapy.

My Finances

The reality is that I am unfortunately at the height of my student debt, lacking financial stability, savings and extended health benefits to fall back on. I'm grateful to be living in Canada, where my medical costs are covered, but the cost of living will be a considerable challenge. I have a beloved family, but they are geographically far-flung and supporting within the reality of their capacities.

While on government sickness employment insurance, I will be receiving approximately $800 a month, which is considerably shy of my living costs while I undergo treatment.

What I Need Help With

My aim, my ask, is to try and raise enough to help cover rent, food and travel expenses through roughly the next six months, to where successful chemotherapy and radiation see me back to studies and work. Realistically, that is somewhere around $10,000.

That amount feels staggering and ridiculous. Yet I know you know my heart. I will gladly give back in kindness anything that I receive. It feels absurd and strange to ask for money, but life has been absurd, and I fall back on the kindness of friends, family and community to help sustain me as I weather this season of storms.

I know times are infinitely complex, there are many in need, so I humbly ask that you give only as you are able.

If You Can't Give, You Can Still Help

If you aren't able to contribute monetarily, just sharing this page is a huge act of support for me and helps immensely.

Please know that your kind words, messages, and kindness are marked with a priceless value.

Updates will be coming out here and through my newsletter, which you can subscribe to at:

https://www.joelpcuthbert.com/

I have been attempting to fall back on that saying, "Let yourself be loved". I know I have tried with all my strength and capacity to be that person for others, and now I find myself in need of that same care.

Much love, light and quiet hope in the days ahead,

(Your Friend)

Joel