Brendan Philip is a beloved family member, loyal friend, profound artist, and longtime community builder. Today, he needs the support of the community he has spent years helping create.

On March 18, 2026, Brendan was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer: a dedifferentiated liposarcoma in his abdomen. A large, painful tumor is pressing on his vital organs, severely limiting his mobility and leaving him unable to work, drive, or travel independently.

After completing chemotherapy, Brendan is currently undergoing 28 days of radiation treatment, ending June 5, before facing a complex and high-risk surgery approximately 10–12 weeks later. Due to the organs involved, recovery is expected to take at least 4–6 months, with extensive rehabilitation and a recovery timeline likely extending well into next year.

Throughout this journey, Brendan’s partner Leila will be his primary caregiver, supporting him through treatment, appointments, surgery, and recovery at home. As a freelance film and television accountant, much of her work requires long hours and full availability—something she will need to step away from in order to care for Brendan. Together they are raising two dependent teenagers and caring for two large dogs while managing the costs of renting their family home in Toronto.

Adding to these challenges, Brendan and Leila opened a small, beloved café in early 2025. With Brendan unable to run it and Leila focused on caregiving, they have made the heartbreaking decision to permanently close the business.

As a self-employed arts worker, Brendan has limited income support available, and while some emergency assistance has helped, a substantial gap remains. Alongside the loss of income come the many expenses that accompany a cancer diagnosis: housing costs, groceries, transportation to treatment, medications and supplements, and additional care needs.

Funds raised through this campaign will help cover:

• Monthly rent and essential household expenses

• Groceries and healthcare costs, including prescriptions and nutritional support

• Transportation and treatment-related expenses

• Additional care services such as rehabilitation support, integrative therapies, and practical household help

Simply put, this family needs help navigating an incredibly difficult year. Every contribution—large or small—and every share can make a meaningful difference in reducing financial stress and allowing Brendan and his family to focus on treatment, healing, and recovery.

Thank you for supporting Brendan and sharing this campaign.