Weyburn's Judd Bakken, a Vancouver-based film editor, is undergoing chemotherapy for gallbladder cancer, and his friend of 20 years, Brett Stobbart, recently started a GoFundMe for Judd.
"We've been looking for some support for Judd because he's unable to work now. His doctors, a few weeks ago, told him not to work anymore, so he's been just on disability from then, and his family's just under some financial pressure, and we just want to make sure that he's supported, and we've been finding that a ton of people want to help support Judd, so it's been really great."
Bakken began chemotherapy earlier this week, with the hope chemotherapy will enable a surgery following scans and a reassessment in about two months.
"We want Judd to be able to concentrate on getting better and going through his chemo. He does have his family there to support him now, so his parents have uprooted and gone over, and they're staying with him. They've kind of put their life on hold, and obviously that's a great support there."
The GoFundMe has tripled throughout the week, noted Stobbart.
"It's been an overwhelming amount of support, and Judd's obviously really surprised, and everyone's really happy with it."
He said it was when Judd moved to Vancouver 20 years ago for work that they met and grew close while living near each other. Now, they maintain their close bond from a slightly further distance.
"Judd's just a really genuine, caring person. Everyone who meets him seems to like him. Obviously, this is why he has so much support. He's just such a great guy," he shared. "He's a talented musician, he plays guitar and banjo, and he's passionate about music. He's always going to shows in Vancouver."
"He's definitely always there for all of his friends and family. It's been just awesome to have him in my life."
Judd's daughter Sadie is four years old.
"She's just the light of his life. He absolutely worships her. She's super awesome. He's obviously not able to do as much with her, which is really sad at this time. But we're all hoping Judd's going to get better and be able to fill his role the way he used to. His partner is Tiff, and she's been with Judd for around 10 years now. She's very supportive, and they're all going through this together."
Find the GoFundMe HERE.