Support Joshua's Fight Against Cancer

Josh is a mystical warrior, fighter, and a self-professed samurai who is not ready to lose just yet.

And he needs you.

Joshua Gil has been battling colorectal cancer since 2022. He was initially diagnosed at stage two and, after completing eight cycles of chemotherapy, went into remission.

In November 2023, while Joshua and his partner Tharini were in Kauai, he began experiencing hip pain. When they returned to LA, he saw his oncologist at Cedars-Sinai, and scans revealed that the cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.

Three weeks later, he traveled to India with Tharini to pursue alternative treatment at an Ayurvedic clinic. Unfortunately, that approach wasn’t successful, and he opted to undergo another eight cycles of chemotherapy. The final cycle was tough and nearly cost him his life, so he chose to stop chemo and explore Chinese medicine instead. Sadly, that also didn’t bring the results he’d hoped for.

Earlier this year, Josh learned about another alternative treatment program in Clearwater, Florida, and decided to begin treatment there in mid-May. His amazing mom, Nellie Gil, has been by his side the entire time, supporting and caring for him.

The treatment in Florida was intense and physically demanding. About two weeks ago, Josh decided to resume chemotherapy—this time at just 10% of the usual dosage.

On Tuesday, August 12th, after his second low-dose chemo treatment, Josh became unresponsive, and Nellie called paramedics. He was admitted to Sarasota Medical Center in Venice, where an MRI revealed the cancer had spread to his brain. There was significant swelling and concern about potential brain herniation, and he was moved to the ICU on Thursday.

Doctors have been treating the swelling with steroids, and while there’s been some marginal improvement, Josh remains at high risk.

Over the weekend, he was transferred out of the ICU to a step-down unit.

Josh has five tumors in his brain, along with significant swelling. In addition, there are masses on his liver, lungs, and kidneys. We recently learned that the cancer has also spread to his adrenal glands. He has 7 to 8 tumors—each about the size of a golf ball—located outside his rectum.

His current treatment plan involves 10 sessions of radiation over the next two weeks, aimed at reducing the swelling and shrinking the tumors in his brain. Josh will remain in Florida while he is receiving that treatment.

After completing his radiation treatment, Joshua’s family plans to bring him home to Los Angeles via medical transport so he can continue his care surrounded by loved ones. Once back in Los Angeles, he will resume treatment at Cedars-Sinai and begin at-home care.

We are asking for your support to help bring Joshua home and to assist with the costs of his medical transport and ongoing care. Joshua is a true beacon of light—an extraordinary soul whose kindness and passion have touched countless lives. As a chef and mentor for over 33 years, he has nurtured not only appetites but also hearts and communities, and now he needs you to keep fighting.