Chef Stu Kneads Your Dough: A Fight Against Cancer

In early August 2020, our friend, husband, father, and colleague Stuart was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme—an aggressive form of brain cancer. Upon seeing the eye-opening scans, Stu remarked that his tumour looked like a dumpling, one of his favourite foods. Decidedly optimistic, and irreverent as ever, Stu has set out on the hardest journey of his life with an army of loved ones at his side.

Stu’s world-class treatment team at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) has deemed his tumour inoperable and estimated that we have about 18 more months to spend with him. Frustratingly, COVID-19 still stands between Stu and so many of his family and friends (especially those in the United States); however, he is strengthened by an outpouring of support from his loved ones north and south of the border. Above all, he remains determined to spend every moment he can with his beloved Julie. When he talks about beating the odds of his 18-month prognosis, he says simply, “Miracles happen. I met her.”

As Stu and Julie prepare for several consecutive weeks of radiation in a community four hours from their home, the costs of transportation and maintaining two separate households—combined with a schedule that will prevent one or both of them from working much of the time—loom large. In a time of such stress and uncertainty, we wish for them the financial stability to prioritize togetherness, presence of mind and, in any moment where they can find it, joy.

After all, Stu has brought great joy to those around him for almost 60 short years. As a Certified Chef de Cuisine and Certified Executive Chef, his impressive career has garnered him both success and friendship in every corner of the continent: from Tucson, where he apprenticed under Chef Alma Vactor, to New Orleans, where he worked with Emeril Lagasse; from New York, where he lived in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, to beautiful Juneau; and through the Rocky Mountains—from Boulder, to Whitefish, to the Crowsnest Pass, and finally to Jasper, Alberta.

In every place he’s gone, Stu has greeted the world with a genuine smile, a sincere laugh, and warm embrace. His is the epitome of a beautiful soul—one that shines on all those he touches. Not only has Stu been the quiet, uncredited culinary architect behind innumerable birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and joyous celebrations that were not his own, he has also been there for so many of us through our own ups and downs. In his time of need, we hope to provide Stu with all the support we possibly can.

We understand that many may not be in a position to contribute; please know that your thoughts and well wishes are treasured beyond measure at this time. We also humbly ask that you share this campaign in the hopes that we may reach as many people as possible. However, if you are able to give, no matter the amount, your contribution will help to lighten the financial burden—one burden we can help Stu to bear. Together, let’s help him to focus on what truly matters: spending time connecting with the people he loves, and giving this dumpling the good southern frying it deserves.

With eternal gratitude,
Friends of Stuart Allen

Stu preparing COVID-19 fresh food hampers for quarantined colleagues