Help Puma Yu’s sous chef in his battle with cancer

We’re reaching out on behalf of our dear friend and talented sous chef of Puma Yu’s, Samuel Gribbon, who is facing an unexpected and deeply challenging medical crisis.

For over a year, Samuel has been experiencing GI tract issues. Like many of us, he assumed it was something minor—likely IBS or a dietary sensitivity. But when the symptoms persisted, he finally went to the ER in mid-May, beginning what became a process of referrals, appointments, and testing, and lots of waiting.

Last Wednesday, after a long-awaited colonoscopy, doctors found a cancerous tumor in his colon that is causing a large blockage.

Now, we’re in a critical phase of this journey. The appointments are picking up pace rapidly as we work with specialists to understand how advanced the cancer is and determine the best course of treatment. Until we have a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, many major life decisions are on hold—but the need for support is immediate and urgent. This will help them be able to focus on what’s most important right now - Samuel’s ability to fight this without the stress of external factors.

Samuel is currently very sick, uninsured, and has stopped working. His partner, Eson, is taking on the weight of coordinating care, navigating emergency insurance options, and handling complex logistics. As a result, she has stopped focusing on her work as well. She’s been spending most of her time on the phone talking to close friends and family, and contacting resources to ensure Sam can have support and a well-understood course of action. They are both doing everything they can to stay afloat while waiting for a conclusive diagnosis and treatment plan.

In the midst of this, they’re juggling high living costs, unexpected medical bills, and the possibility of a major move to upstate New York in search of better support and care.

We’re asking for your help in raising as much as we collectively can to help cover:

• Immediate living expenses for Samuel and Eson

• Initial medical costs as they work toward getting insurance

• Time off work so they can focus on healing, not survival

• Future treatment-related costs that are sure to arise

• Support through a potential relocation to access lower cost of living and to be closer to family

This fund is designed to give them the time, space, and resources they need to get through the next few years as they navigate this together.

If you know Samuel, you know he is a kind, gentle, and compassionate soul. He’s spent years supporting others and bringing joy to the community behind the scenes through his work as a chef; now it’s our chance to show up for him!

Note from Pete and Ally:

Puma Yu’s will be hosting various events to raise money for Sam in the upcoming weeks and months, so if you are a purveyor or in the hospitality industry and have tangible items you’d be willing to donate for his fundraiser dinners or an idea about a way to collaborate with us to raise funds in another creative capacity, please reach out to us through Instagram @pumayus. Sam’s mark on Puma Yu’s is everywhere; he has been with us since day one, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today without him, and he is our family.

Please give what you can, share this campaign widely, and help us rally around Samuel and Eson during this incredibly difficult time.

Anyone who wishes to contribute should follow this link: https://gofund.me/49adf187