A Canadian theatre producer, Brian Paisley, aged 79, is in critical condition in a Mexican hospital while recovering from pneumonia, prompting his family to appeal for financial assistance. His daughter, Erinne Paisley, disclosed that Brian was in Puerto Escondido earlier this month, focusing on mentoring writers when he began to experience severe back pain.
Initially, he sought help from an individual who was not a qualified doctor. By the time he received proper medical attention, his condition had deteriorated significantly. Erinne recounted that he has been in an induced coma for over a week in the intensive care unit, requiring a breathing tube to assist with his respiratory function. “His gardener found him in his house and saved his life, carrying him like a baby to the hospital,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation, as he was reportedly less than an hour away from death.
Brian Paisley is recognized as the founder of the Edmonton Fringe Festival, established in 1982, now regarded as the largest alternative theatre festival globally, aside from the original Fringe festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland. During his nine-year tenure as the festival's producer, he was integral to launching similar fringe festivals in cities such as Victoria, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal. After leaving the festival, he turned his focus to writing for film and television and currently resides in Victoria.
Erinne revealed that her father does not have health insurance, which has compounded the financial strain of his medical care, given that the costs for the ICU can reach approximately $10,000 a day. The financial burden has quickly surpassed the capabilities of his family and friends, prompting them to seek external support. Erinne, who was studying in Denmark at the time of his hospitalization, rushed to Mexico to be by her father's side earlier this week.
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has been initiated to help cover Brian's medical expenses, allowing him to remain in the ICU as he begins to awaken from the induced coma. Erinne shared a hopeful update, noting that “Thirty-six hours ago he was crying and trying to open his eyes,” although he has yet to speak as the breathing tube still remains in place. She expressed optimism as he continues to show signs of strength in his recovery.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1946, Brian Paisley grew up in Vancouver and has been honored with multiple accolades for his contributions to theatre, including the Confederation of Canada medal in 1993, the Order of Canada in 2010, and an honorary PhD from Athabasca University. His biography from the Order of Canada also notes his role as the founder of the theatre department at Northern Lights College and his co-founding of the Chinook Touring Theatre for young audiences.
According to Erinne, the prognosis for her father seems positive, pointing out that “Every other single part of him was incredibly strong and healthy.”
