Supporting Cole’s Fight Against Brain Cancer

My name is Chelsea and I have had the pleasure of knowing Linda and Cole for close to ten years. Linda is one of my closest friends and she could not have found a better partner than Cole. Cole is kind, thoughtful, and always knows exactly what to say to make you smile. He always has a joke up his sleeve and fits in effortlessly in any crowd. It feels like you’ve known him forever, even if you’ve only just met him. He is a wonderful person and absolutely one of a kind. At just 30 years old, Cole is facing an unexpected challenge after being diagnosed with a brain tumour on April 1, 2025.

Cole and Linda’s epic and unconventional love story started all the way back in 2012 when they met online through mutual friends. They were friends first and then fell head over heels for each other. They started a long-distance relationship with Cole in Texas, and Linda in Ontario, Canada.

Cole and Linda got married in August 2018 and began the process to get Linda to the USA. A process that usually takes approximately 2-3 years ended up taking 6 years, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the shutdowns it caused. This was a difficult time, as travel was limited and they were unable to see each other for over a year.

When the world slowly returned to normal, Linda’s immigration was finalized. Linda and Cole moved to Dallas in June 2024. They were finally able to start their lives with their three beloved cats.

Unfortunately, just as they began settling into their life together, they received the devastating news that Cole has a brain tumour. They have to put their plans and dreams on hold while they figure out the next steps in their journey.

After experiencing seizures, Cole underwent numerous diagnostic tests and was put on medication. As his symptoms worsened, he had an MRI done in March 2025. The MRI showed a roughly 6 cm frontotemporal mass that is compressing his right lateral ventricle. The neurosurgeon believes the mass has been there for quite some time. It is suspected that this mass is a cancerous tumour called a glioma and that it is likely at stage 2 or 3.

Cole is scheduled for surgery on May 14, 2025 with the goal of resecting as much of the tumor as possible. We will have a clearer idea of Cole’s prognosis after the surgery when the mass has been tested. It is likely that Cole will require chemotherapy and/or radiation. There is a long road ahead and Cole and Linda need our help.

Needless to say, brain surgery is far from cheap, even with insurance coverage. Cole’s surgery requires payment up front and the estimated cost currently sits at $56,000. This estimate does not include his pre-op work up where he will require further diagnostics, including another MRI. This estimate also does not include his post-op ICU stay.

Cole’s post-op recovery is anticipated to be 6-8 weeks long. This surgery is not without risk. Due to the location of the tumour, there is the chance that the procedure may cause weakness on the left side of his body or a stroke, both of which would require intense rehab to regain sensation and mobility.

Cole will not be able to work during this time period. Linda will also be working reduced hours, as she will need to be there to assist Cole during the recovery process.

After already spending close to $8000 for Cole’s initial diagnostics, the anticipated cost of his continued care is daunting. We currently do not know how much Cole’s chemo/radiation will cost, as his team of doctors will need the pathology report from the surgery in order to develop a long-term treatment plan.

Linda and Cole are touched by the outpouring of love and support they’ve received. Any monetary donation, no matter how small it may seem, is greatly appreciated. Sharing this GoFundMe will also help tremendously.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

We ask that you please keep Linda and Cole in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate their new normal.